With the cold weather upon us, there’s no doubt that you’ll be wrapped up in your winter woollies for your walks out with the dog! While it can be very tempting to stay at home with a mug of hot chocolate and a blanket, your dogs will still need to get some fresh air with daily walks.

However, with the lower temperatures comes risks and precautions that you'll need to take. Through winter, you’ll need to make sure your dog is able to stay safe in order for them to enjoy their winter walks as usual. 

Below, we explore the hidden dangers of winter for dogs, and how you can avoid them.

Antifreeze Poisoning

Antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs, and even a small intake of the substance can be very lethal. Unfortunately, the sweet taste of antifreeze can attract dogs, and even a small amount can be lethal.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Wobbly walking
• Frequent urination and increased thirst
• Seizures

To create a safer environment for your pup, and other pets, make sure you store antifreeze safely away, clean up any spills, and keep your dog supervised in places near cars or garages.

It is vital to seek help from a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has come into contact with antifreeze.

Icy Terrains

With the colder winter weather, comes ice, and snow. As it does for humans, ice can also pose a threat to dogs. With ice comes slippery services, putting our dogs at risk of sustaining injuries such as muscle injuries or broken bones. Other winter risks can be sharp ice, hidden debris underneath snow, or icy lakes that may not be able to support the weight of your pooch.

Not only is ice very slippery, but it is understandably very cold, and at times it can be harsh on your dog’s paws.

But, rest assured that you and your pup can tread safely. Keeping a close eye on your dog goes a long way, checking their paws for injuries, and walking them close by on pet safe paths. Protective footwear  is also an option.

When you’re out on your walks, it is important to remember to equip your pooch with a durable tag, designed to last through harsh weather. View our range of reinforced tags.

Dehydration in Cold Weather

Keeping your dog hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Many owners assume that dogs need less water in colder months, but this isn’t the case! While winter air tends to have less humidity, dogs still expend energy to stay warm, especially when active outdoors. This can increase their overall hydration needs.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cold can suppress your dog’s thirst, meaning they may not feel as inclined to drink water, even when their body needs it. To keep your pup healthy, try to encourage them to drink regularly throughout the day, even if they seem less thirsty than usual.

Road Salt and Chemicals

Similarly to antifreeze, the de-icing chemicals and road salts that are put down to make paths and roads safer in the winter can actually be toxic to pups. They can cause paw irritation and damage through dryness, cracking, or even burns. Not only can they irritate paws, but the ingestion of these salts and chemicals can also be very harmful to pups. 

While this may sound very threatening to pups, rest assured that you should still be able to head out on your walks as usual. If possible, try to avoid the places where you can see road salts, and ensure that you monitor your dog so that they don’t try to eat anything. Parks are often areas that should have minimal chemical treatment, and could be safe to walk your pup. Wash your dog’s paws once home from your walks to ensure any residual salt is removed.

Summary

With the right planning and preparations, winter can still be a time that you and your pup can enjoy, getting out and exploring new places. As long as you keep watch over your dog, paying mind to the hidden dangers of winter, your pooch’s tail can stay wagging all year round!

Before you head out on your adventures, it is important to remember The Control of Dogs Order 1992. The order is a legal requirement stating that dogs must wear an up to date tag with the owner’s name and address on the tag, ensuring their safety in the case they get lost.

If you’re looking to find a tag designed with durability, check out our brass tags. These high quality tags feature your choice of wording in deep engraving, giving you long lasting legibility and endurance, so that your pup can rock their new tag all year round.