Cool Weather Concerns for Dogs

By Susan Pollen, MA, DVM

Dogs who revel in summer’s warmth, lying about in the sun, and

swimming in the pool, need special attention with the onset of cooler weather.

Rain, ice, and snow can be especially challenging to our heat-loving canine companions. Being prepared, we can help our best friends avoid many health problems.

For example, feet that have become accustomed to grass are damaged by ice, snow and road chemicals. Be conscious of road surfaces before setting out, and inspect your pet’s feet when you return. Wash off winter debris with antimicrobial soap, such as chlorhexadine.

Washing dislodges dirt and kills bacteria that may have been carried into the pads by tiny ice crystals. If you’re one of those lucky people with a pet that loves prancing outside in booties, find a well-fitting pair that provides extra protection and traction.

With four legs, dogs are more stable than we two-legged folks are, but even dogs slip on slick surfaces. Sprains are common in pets that slide on iced sidewalks and waxed kitchen floors. Encourage your dog to slow down; and if your dog sprains a joint, treat it with ice, rest, and elevation. Keep joint synovial fluid nourished with supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. Use an anti-inflammatory if your veterinarian recommends one, and ask if it comes in a flavor your pet likes.

Couch potato pets that spend more time on the sofa during winter are predisposed to obesity and to constipation. Both are preventable. Become your pet’s cheerleader -- coaching with fun exercises will keep your pet active. Toss toys that glitter, roll, squeak or squish ; or hide treats and encourage your pet to find them. For most pets, treats should remain fun, but low in calories.

Our second preventable problem is constipation. Constipated dogs have difficulty eliminating, taking longer than usual to pass stool, and the stool will be hard and dry. Encourage these pets to exercise because movement stimulates the gastrointestinal tract. Increase their water intake, add fiber to the diet, and add oils or essential fatty acids to keep things moving.

Fatty acids also help the skin . During the winter when air in our homes may be dry, dog skin can become dry. Feed for healthy skin by providing fatty acids in meals and treats. Continue to bathe regularly to promote healthy skin. Start with the ears, washing them gently with ear cleaner , then clean the face, and move on to the body. For dogs with itching, allergic skin, bathe with oatmeal-based shampoo . For those with oily, smelly or infected skin, try a medicated shampoo . Be sure to rinse every bit of soap off and dry your pet thoroughly before going outside.

Cooler weather is time for snuggling, and we may notice our pets’ breath more than usual. If we don’t like the way the breath smells, we can do several things to improve it.

1. Have the veterinarian inspect for gum or dental disease.

2. Provide toys and chews that exercise the mouth and encourage salivation.

3. Brush teeth with a doggy toothpaste . Dog toothpaste is different from human toothpaste because dogs don’t spit and they need a toothpaste they can swallow. The most effective toothpastes contain enzymes that improve oral hygiene by attacking proteins and other molecules in the mouth. With regular tooth brushing, dogs can be a pleasure to be around all winter.

Cool Weather Concerns Questions:

Yes - Uh oh. Provide a good bed to keep pressure off joints, and use joint supplements, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E , or anti-inflammatories .No - Keep up the good work by maintaining your dog’s joints in good health.

2. Does your dog slip on ice, occasionally splaying legs or spraining joints?

Yes - Oops. Start by keeping joints healthy because a healthy joint resists damage. Nutrients that nourish joints include perna, a sea mussel with 9 glycosaminosglyscans; chondroitin, and glucosamine . If your dog injures a joint, treat with ice, rest and elevation. Check with your veterinarian if your pet doesn’t bounce right back. Your vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or pain medication.No - Good for you. You two are moving at the right pace.

3. Do dogs need flea protection when there is snow on the ground?

Yes - Right you are. Although freezing kills insects, many insects survive in bales of hay and straw. If dogs spend time in a barn or doghouse insulated with hay, they may be exposed to fleas and biting insects long after the first hard frost.No - Oops, better be careful. With fleas, it is more difficult to cure the problem than to prevent it, so use wisdom in deciding when to stop applying flea and tick medications .

4. Is it ridiculous to brush a dog’s teeth?

Yes - Well, you may be right, but we do it anyway because of the great benefits. Since we domesticated dogs and accepted responsibility for their health, we need to provide for their oral health just as much as for their skin and joints. Brushing and dental treats are civilized equivalents of gristle and bone.No - Good for you. Bet your dog’s teeth are in great shape. Don’t they just love the taste of the poultry-flavored toothpaste .

5. Do you use heartworm medications all year round?

Yes - Good for you. You won’t need a blood test next spring. Just continue using the appropriate weight medication.No - Be sure to have your veterinarian do a blood test to confirm your pet’s heartworm-free status before starting medications again next spring.

6. Is your dog too tubby?

Yes - Oops. Accept responsibility, and change the way you feed. For treats, set aside a small amount of dry food from your pet’s daily allotment so the total caloric intake remains the same. Also, give your pet a toy that slowly releases treats, such as the Buster cube , so your dog works off every morsel. And remember, your companionship is your dog’s best treat.No - Congratulations. What a role model!

7. Does your dog stink too much to come inside even in cold weather?

Yes - Oops. This is preventable. Regular bathing and grooming keeps dogs smelling great. If your dog has a strong odor despite grooming, check its mouth and ears; it may have a health problem and should see the veterinarian.No - Congratulations. You must have a healthy dog that is bathed and groomed effectively.

8. Do you wash road salt and ice off your dog’s feet after going out?

Yes - Good for you. That’s terrific.No - Uh Oh. Wash off harmful ice and chemicals before they hurt your dog’s footpads. Use chlorhexadine soap to kill bacteria.

9. Does your dog dance around when you try to wash its feet?

Yes - Brother does that make your job hard. Try a smear of peanut butter, cheese—whatever food fits your dog’s healthy diet—spreading it on a washable surface, such as a cabinet or refrigerator. While your dog is preoccupied with licking off the treat, gently clean the feet. Alternatively, hang a special treat from a doorknob so that your dog becomes preoccupied with reaching it; and clean away.No - What a great dog trainer you are.

For more information on this subject, contact your veterinarian.

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