Cold weather is uncomfortable for you but even more for your dog, especially extremely cold weather. Your pet must be protected from the elements and precautions must be taken to ensure he stays safe and in good health.

Yes, your dog has a fur coat, but that only protects him so far. If you have a small dog or one with short hair, purchase a sweater or coat and have him wear it when going outside in frigid temperatures. Also booties will protect his feet from frostbite in the ice and snow.

If you use deicer on your sidewalk or steps, purchase an eco-friendly product that is safe for animals and children. Sand is also a good substitute. Regular salt deicer is toxic and when your pet goes outside and gets this chemical on his paws, he will lick it off. Then the problems start.

If you have a house dog, you do not have to worry too much about frostbite and hypothermia. But if your pet is an outdoor dog, he needs to be protected from the elements. When the temperature fall s below zero, this is dangerous for a dog.

A good, sturdy, insulated dog house is a must. A plastic door on the outside will allow your pet to come and go and keep out the snow and cold. Set it up facing the south where it will get the most sun. Fill it with old blankets or comforters so your dog will be warm.

Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available for him to drink. You will have to go out quite a few times and fill his bowl because the water will freeze. A dog can’t get hydrated from an ice cube.

Check your dog for signs of frostbite. Not only are paws affected, but the tip of the tail and ears. An outdoor dog has a greater chance of hypothermia and frostbite than an indoor pet.

Frostbite is a painful condition from exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Signs to look for are pale skin, red or hot areas that are painful to touch, peeling and swelling.

If your dog has frostbite, keep him warm. Thaw out the frostbitten areas with warm, moist towels or rags. Do not massage the area or use hot towels. This will make it worse. When the skin comes back to a normal color, get him to your veterinarian for an exam to make sure no damage has been done to the affected areas.

Hypothermia is often fatal. This happens when the dog’s body is so cold, it can’t get warm. He may go into shock. Wrap him in a blanket and get him to the vet immediately.

You can avoid these problems by bringing your dog into the house on extremely cold and snowy days and nights. If he doesn’t have the run of the house, set up a warm, comfortable spot in the laundry room or spare bathroom. Keep water available and his food. Also a few toys or chews will keep him from being bored.

These preventative measures will ensure you and your dog will have a healthy and safe winter season.

My husband and I have had dogs in our lives since we were born. We’re not dog experts, just everyday people using trial and error over the years to see what works and what doesn’t with our puppies and dogs. We have owned many pure breed and mixed breed dogs through the years and each one was different in so many ways. When my husband and I married in 1978, our first dog was a Collie, Laddie. We were in love with Lassie growing up in the 50′s and found our common “dog ground” in that respect. So throughout the years, Collies and now Shelties are out family dogs.

We currently have an adopted 1/2 Husky, 1/2 Collie mix named Lady who is 8 years old and our second Sheltie, Kelsey is going on 3 years. Many of our family and friends have asked our advice about their dogs and suggested we put together a website for tips, help and fun pages for dog owners. So we did. If you found this article helpful, you can view more dog information at http://www.the-best-dog-for-you.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Corning
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Health-and-Safety-Tips-For-Winter&id=3455801