Six Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe Throughout The Winter Months.

A pet of any age can suffer from the harmful effects of exposure to cold. Below are few important tips to remember that will keep your precious pet healthy and warm this winter.

Keep Their Paws Clean And Dry

On winter walks, the dog's paws pick up all sorts of dangerous chemicals—salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Make sure to clean off your dog's paws when you get back from outdoors to keep them from licking them off and getting sick. And when cleaning off your dog's paws, try to look for signs of injury, like cracked or bleeding paws.

Keep Them Active

Pets who are used to running outdoors when it's cold outside should get some of their exercise indoors. Hide toys or treats for your dog to find in your home, play other indoor games, or have them walk or run up and down the stairs. Treat toys are excellent ways to burn off any restless energy. Make sure to spend some time practicing their brains, catch up on basic training, or teach them some new tricks. When exercising outdoors, be sure to pay attention to any signs of cold stroke and make sure they have plenty of water to recover. Although your time outdoors will have to be shorter, it may still be enjoyable!

Avoid Fire Accidents

While staying indoors, be careful your dogs don't accidentally burn themselves on radiators, space heaters or fireplaces.

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Provide Plenty of Food And Water

Dogs need to eat between 25 to 50 % extra calories than average because the cold starts to deplete energy. Know that your pet's tongues can cling to a metal bowl and make sure the water isn't frozen.

Dry Skin

During winter months, the air in your house will become dry, which can have an effect on your dog's skin. If their skin becomes stiff, it can irritate them. Prevent this by grooming the dog daily to increase circulation and improve skin and coat.

Keep Them Leashed

Dogs mostly get lost in the winter than with any other season, as snowfall covers familiar scents that usually help them find their way back home. Prevent your dogs from being lost by having your dogs leashed on walks and, if you're separated from your dog, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact details and are microchipped.

If meteorologists predicts severe cold spells or snow blizzards, make sure you have a pet emergency plan ready. This involves keeping food and other prescribed medicine, deciding who to contact and how to get to a vet in case of emergencies.