Winter can be a fun time for your dog, but it can also be a dangerous time—especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Since they might not always make the best choices for themselves, here are some things you need to look out for to keep your dog safe and healthy!

Not all dogs like the cold

Some breeds, like akitas and German shepherds, have naturally thick winter coats that keep them warm. Other dogs, however, may not have enough fur to keep them comfortable in cold weather. If your pet doesn’t seem to love being outside when it’s cold, you could try putting them in a warm jacket or a sweater. Be sure to introduce new garments to your dog gradually, using lots of praise, and without forcing them to comply if they’re unhappy.

How cold is too cold?

This is different breed by breed and even dog by dog. A double-coated dog who was rescued from a warmer climate probably won’t have the same tolerance for cold as a dog of the same breed who was raised here. Senior dogs, or pups with medical conditions might also feel the cold more than others. You know your own dog best! Make sure you are watching them for signs they need to go warm up. Those include:

• lifting their paws
• shivering
• looking for shelter
• hunched posture with a tucked tail
• whining
• sudden anxious behaviour

Dogs won’t necessarily stop playing when they get too cold, so make sure you’re paying attention and heading back to warmth before there are any issues. If you think they might be developing frostbite or hypothermia, however, wrap them in a blanket or coat, get them to warmth, and contact your vet right away.

On days when you need to limit their time outdoors, be sure to increase your indoor playtime to make up for the lack of exercise.

Protect your pet’s feet:

Dogs have tough skin on the soles of their feet called pads. Those do a pretty good job of protecting your pup’s feet, but they’re not perfect. Ice and frozen snow can cut both the pads themselves and the spaces in between. If your pet gets ice or snow wedged between their paw pads, they could also get frostbite on their feet. Minimize your dog’s exposure to icy, rough terrain or put booties on them to help protect their feet while they’re out frolicking.

Watch out for toxic chemicals

A lot of common chemicals that are likely to be found near your home could be deadly for dogs. Not only is antifreeze a tempting poison to them, but walking on pavement that has been de-iced could also make your pet sick. The chemicals in many commercial ice-melt products can make them seriously ill if ingested, so make sure they don’t drink from roadside puddles on warmer days. If you walk in places that use these chemicals, clean your pet’s feet as soon as you get home so they don’t lick the chemicals off their paws.

Watch out for thin ice

Frozen ponds can be tempting for your pet, but thin ice is becoming more and more common. Keep your dog away from frozen ponds and pools, practice their recall, and make sure you keep their nails trimmed. There may be frozen puddles or other icy patches that could prove tricky for your pet if their nails are too long.

Snow can cover up all sorts of nasty things

Finally, if you live in an area that gets snowfall, a beautiful white cloak of snow can hide everything from sharp surfaces to downed power lines after a storm. It can fill your heart to watch your pup tearing around in the snow with excitement, but please make sure you are in a safe area first. Happy winter!