Despite frigid temperatures and blustery winds, your dog still wants (needs) to burn some energy. So you begrudgingly bundle yourself up against the elements and brace for a walk in less-than-ideal weather, but what about your canine companion?
Some breeds can handle the cold without much ado if they have thick, protective coats, but many of our best friends still need a little assistance staying healthy and warm in wintertime. So we’ve scoured reviews, tips from experts and our own personal experiences to narrow down a few essential winter products dog owners might consider to keep their pets comfortable and safe.
Paw Protection
No matter what kind of dog you have, they could likely benefit from some form of paw protection when going outside in winter conditions. (Even Alaskan sled dogs require booties to keep snow from gathering between their paws and damaging their delicate footpads!)
Before They Go Outside
The Animal Humane Society (AHS) recommends that before taking walks, you put paw wax and/or dog booties on their paws for protection. Snow and ice can increase your dog’s risk of frostbite, gather between the toes and cause irritation, and dry out their paw pads, leaving them cracked or chapped. In addition, sidewalk salt and other chemicals commonly found around the neighborhood can cause chemical burns to their paw pads or indigestion if the dog tries to lick these irritants off.
There are tons of adorable, innovative dog boots. (Some even go all the way up to their shoulders, for those long-haired breeds that get painful snowball dingleberries.) If your dog will actually consent to wearing them (and doesn’t just awkwardly flop about in some kind of disjointed panic, like mine does), the New York Times’ Wirecutter recommends a few different versions, depending on price point and how much protection your dog needs.
Paw wax is a kind of moisturizing balm that acts like a ChapStick for their little toe beans (as internet vernacular would have it). The AHS recommends one like Musher’s Secret, which is a food-grade wax, but you can also use Vaseline or coconut oil to get much the same effect. It might seem frivolous to some, but paw balm is actually an all-season product, as it helps protect dogs’ feet from burning hot pavements and dry conditions in the summer, as well.
When They Come Back Inside
In addition to preventive care like booties or paw wax, you’ll want to make sure you clean your dogs’ feet after any extended time outdoors (especially if you don’t have any of the aforementioned products). Not only will this give you a chance to inspect for injuries or snowballs, but it is likely a necessary step for ensuring they don’t track mud and snow melt all over your house.
Paw Cleaners
Most dog owners keep designated “dog towels” by the door (or in the car) for paw cleaning. While this method is mostly effective, you also might want to consider getting a MudBuster. These little plastic containers, about the size of nutritional shake bottles, contain a removable, silicone-bristled liner. Simply fill with warm water, and then dip your dogs’ paws into the cup, allowing the water and bristles to gently scrub away any built-up mud, paw balm or caked-on snow. Then, you can use those dog towels just to dry them off, instead of having to vigorously wipe and scrub. (I’ve also personally been grateful for this product whenever one of my pooches steps in their own poo. It takes a lot of the hands-on yuckiness out of the clean-up situation, meaning even my reluctant children can be persuaded to perform the task.)
Keep Them Happy and Warm
Dog Coats
Some dogs need more help than others staying warm in cold temperatures. According to the AHS, if the thermometers read anything below 50°F you should provide an extra layer of warmth for breeds that are small (under 25 lbs.), have a thin body type or a short/hairless coat.
Yes, that’s right: We are hereby giving you permission to get your dog a sweater or coat that can keep them warm and protected from rain and snow. (Go show this to the significant other who spoils all the fun by saying they’re not necessary.) Depending on the severity of your winter weather, choices can range from an adorable, fashion-forward sweater to a more rugged, weatherproof jacket.
Joint supplements
If you’re feeling the cold weather in your bones, your senior pet probably is, too. Dr. Jamie Whittenburg told pet blog This Dog’s Life that “a cold front will drop the atmospheric, or barometric, pressure, which in turn affects the tissues of the body, making them stiff and painful. Cold weather and low temperatures also affect dogs as these increase the viscosity of the fluid in the joints, resulting in stiffness and pain.”
Much like supplements designed for humans, pet supplements also suffer from a lack of stringent industry regulation. However, according to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM), some joint supplements can be very helpful for dogs experiencing joint pain due to arthritis.
Dr. Christopher Frye, assistant clinical professor and section chief of sports medicine and rehabilitation in the Cornell Department of Clinical Sciences, told the CCVM that “the supplement with the most support in the literature currently is omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Dosing has been fairly well-studied and a recommended daily dose of 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs. of ideal dog weight is recommended.”
Before starting your pet on any kind of supplement, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. (For one thing, you want to make sure your dog is being treated for the correct condition.) Once you’ve done that, the CCVM advises using a brand recommended by your veterinarian or one that bears the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal.
Heated Dog Beds
This isn’t necessarily a must-have, but as a dog owner who often needs to battle for space on the couch, the heated dog bed I bought my pups has been well worth the money. You can get beds that work by reflecting your pets’ body heat back to them (and therefore don’t require electricity), but the electronic version I got them is the one that they prefer over all others. (So much, in fact, that my two dogs squeeze themselves onto it together, despite having multiple beds scattered throughout the house.)
Top image: Flixx Studio, via Canva.com
