How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Winter

Brrrr! Despite being located in the Southern region, Atlanta’s winter can be a season of bitter cold. Although we make sure to bundle up to fight the cold temperatures, we often forget about our furry friends.

Not only can our dogs experience discomfort from the winter’s dry and cold air, but walking your dog in cold temperature can even be dangerous if they unknowingly lick off chemicals from anti-melting agents!

To prepare you for the winter days ahead of us and to ensure a safe holiday season, Bark ATL provides you with some tips to keep your dogs safe and comfortable.

Be Cautious of Spending Time Outdoors

If your dog tends to spend most ours of the day outdoors, she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough for comfort, but small enough to hold her body heat. You should not leave your furry friend outdoors in the cold, especially when the temperature drops. Pets in general are sensitive to severe cold and exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can suffer permanent damage.

Skip The Groomer

Stray away from shaving your furry friend down to the skin during cold times! A longer coat will help keep her warm. However, if your dog has long hair, make sure to trim her just enough to avoid the chances of catching salt crystals and de-icing chemicals. If your dog is shorthaired, you should consider getting her a sweater with sufficient coverage from the base of the tail to the belly to keep her warm. Plus, who doesn’t like puppies in sweaters?

Keep ‘Em Well-Fed

Feeding your dog a bit more than usual during the cold winter days can provide her with the extra calories she needs to stay warm. In addition, make sure she stays well hydrated in order to avoid severe drying of the skin.

Avoid The Chances of Antifreeze Poisoning

Antifreeze is a deadly poison! Pets tend to be attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet taste. Make sure to leave it out of reach at all times to take no chances of antifreeze poisoning.

All in all, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if it’s too cold for you, that means it’s too cold for your furry friend, too. Bark ATL wishes you a safe winter! Stay warm!