Hey, Annie here. Today I'm going to talk about a handful of ways that you can keep your beloved dog safe in cold weather. Some breeds - Chow chows, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands - do much better in the cold than others.

I'm sure you can recall seeing a tiny little poodle shivering in the snow! They don't look very happy. If you have a dog that doesn't exactly thrive in the snow, this blog is for you!

Remember, if it's too chilly for you when you're suited up in your winter coat, it's probably too cold for your dog. 

1. Slowly Build Endurance 

In the same way that you wouldn't run a marathon without training for it, don't keep your dog outside for hours on end without working up to it. You love and care about your dog, right? Don't put him or her out in the cold like that without building endurance.

In some areas, the season changes quickly. It feels like it went from summer to winter! Your dog was panting outside and all of a sudden she's beginning to shiver.

You need to start with short sessions outside at first. After a handful of days go by,  gradually add more and more time to the outdoor session. After awhile, your dog will feel more comfortable outdoors in the colder weather. 

2. Avoid Toxins and Irritants

Stepping on rock salt may hurt your pooch's paws! Not only that, if they eat it, it can disrupt their digestion and hurt their intestines.

Check around for antifreeze as well, as that is a toxic, fatal substance. People often use antifreeze on their driveways, so be weary of sidewalks and curbs where cars are parked.

Again, antifreeze is a highly poisonous substance that will kill your pet. Be careful! 

3. Grow Out Their Winter Coats

Your dog's haircut may look different, depending on the season. Often times, groomers will cut a lot of the coat so the dog can feel the breeze during the warm weather.

However, your dog relies on their winter coat during the colder months. Don't chop off the fur that keeps them warm. In addition, if your dog is shivering, you can buy them a coat or sweater.

There are plenty of warm and stylish coats on the market, designed for all different types of dogs. When their abdomen and neck is covered, they'll be much happier playing in the snow. 

4. Keep your Dog Dry

Avoid playing on frozen lakes, rivers, or bodies of water. You never know if it could crack. Even though your dog may be small and lightweight, accidents happen all of the time. Your dog could drown or get hypothermia. If you walk your dog near a lake in the summer, you may want to change up your route during the winter.

After bathing your dog, you need to towel them off and possibly even blow dry them. This is an easy way to warm up your pet quickly. Even if they're dry, if they seem cold and shivery, blow-dry them.

They may be scared at first, but after some time and patience, your dog will get used to the sound of the hair-dryer. Keeping your dog dry during freezing temperatures is a must. 

--------------

Thank you for reading my blog post on winter safety tips for your dog. Seeing your dog play in the snow is a magical moment. Still, some days it's the temperature drops and it's not safe for your dog to be outdoors.

Please try to remember to slowly build their endurance, keep them dry, grow out their winter coats, and avoid toxins. If you've read this far, you deeply care about your pet's safety.

You're a great dog owner! Give your dog a pat for me. 

Annie Foley
Author
FNDN 

P.S. If you're looking for a pair of gloves to slip beneath your regular gloves, that will heat your hands in even the harshest winter temperatures, we've got you covered! Check out our FNDN Skin-Fit 3.7V Liner Glove!