Have you ever crossed a Chihuahua at -40°C? It's both disturbing and revealing that even behind their little winter coats and boots, extreme cold spares no one, not even our four-legged friends. Of course, the example would be less zany with a Husky, but the truth is that all dogs are sensitive to the cold.
Make sure your pooch stays safe and warm by following these tips.
1. Limit going outside
Unless you have a thick-coated northern dog, it's a good idea to limit your dog's time outside and shorten walks in extreme cold. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, such as a change in skin tone to bluish white, shivering and slower than normal breathing.
2. Dress them warmly
Besides making your furry friend extra stylish, using a dog coat on your winter walks helps protect your companion from the cold and wind chill. Think of our Chihuahua friend: just like your favourite Kanuk, a quality, fitted, waterproof coat will keep its body heat and dry more quickly.
For the more sensitive or city dogs, you may want to consider boots to provide extra protection against the cold and the irritating and toxic effects of salt on roads and sidewalks. A word of advice: don't forget to take out your camera to capture their first steps!
3. Prevent chapping of skin
The skin of the nose and paw pads is particularly prone to chapping during extreme cold weather. That's why our chap balm is the perfect product to prevent and relieve your pooch from very dry skin, chapped muzzles and pads.
Apply the balm before each walk and check the muzzle and pads for cracks or redness when you return.
4. Clean and protect the paws
For dogs that can't tolerate boots, it's important to avoid prolonged contact with frozen surfaces and prevent frostbite on the paws.
Also, be sure to wash and dry your dog's paws after each walk to remove ice, salt and other chemicals that may have become lodged between the toes.
5. Give them a warm bed to sleep in
Who doesn't love the warmth of their bed on cold winter nights? Well, it's also good for your dog, who naturally seeks a warm, cozy place to sleep.
A heated bed or pad can be a great option for your pet. Look for ones that have an automatic shut-off system and are specifically designed for dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your dog! So be careful and take advantage of the extreme cold weather to bundle up inside and cuddle your furry friend with a good book and a mountain of warm blankets.