The Weather Outside is Frightful - And Fido Wants to Frolic : Petlane’s Pet Care Blog

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The Weather Outside is Frightful - And Fido Wants to Frolic

January 5, 2010 | Filed Under Uncategorized |

The only thing my dog Jade hates more than walks, is going to the vet. He either walks in, realizes where he is and attempts to bolt for the door, or gets to the door, plants all four feet, pulls against the leash and refuses to budge (unfortunately for him he’s only 20lbs. so he’s easy to pick up). I tell you this so that when I then say that Jade hates the rain even more than the vet., you have some basis for comparison.

About two weeks ago I took Jade to the vet for some routine maintenance (so to speak). It was pouring when we got out of the car. Jade hopped out, took one quick look around and RAN for the nearest overhang. When I opened the door to the vet’s office he literally bolted inside and made no attempt to leave. Jade is not alone in his disgust for weather in various forms (he hasn’t encountered snow yet but he despises mud and water). My parents’ Puli (and bear in mind that Puli’s were bred to be sheep dogs on the Hungarian plains where they encounter weather of all types), for years after he was housebroken, used to pee in the house every time it rained because he couldn’t stand getting wet

However, even in the winter weather, it is still critical that dogs get walked as frequently as possible. Dogs who do not get enough physical (and mental) stimulation will frequently start to exhibit a variety of behavior problems. But with the thermometer dropping, how do you know when it’s safe to take Fido out?

A good rule of thumb is “if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.” Just be sure to differentiate between “it’s nice and warm under my covers and cold in the room therefore I’ve decided it’s too cold to walk the dog” and “wow, the local weather channel says it’s 10 degrees with wind chill - it would not be safe to walk Fido in this kind of cold.” While there is not a hard and fast rule about when cold is too cold, in general long-haired dogs can play outside for short periods of time when it’s above 20°F; short-haired dogs, young pups, and elderly dogs should wait until the mercury rises to 40°F (remember to factor in windchill!).

Petlane Team Leader and her dog Marci

If you’re bundled up, your dog may want to be too. Short-haired dogs (even large ones) will appreciate the added warmth of a doggie coat or sweatshirt. While Jade (my Cavalier) believes the colder the better, Shana (my parents Coton) shivers first thing in the morning unless she’s sporting her sweatshirt.

Keep your long-haired dog well groomed. Tangled and matted fur does not provide as much natural insulation as a well-groomed coat. If possible, avoid shaving them or cutting their fur short in the winter months. The long coats will help keep them warm.

Know the signs of and treatment for hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure. If you believe your dog is suffering from hypothermia, wrap him in warm blankets and (if possible) place towel-wrapped bottles (filled with warm, not hot water) next to his armpit and groin. Take your dog to your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications.

Like humans, dogs are vulnerable to frostbite. The ears, paw pads, tail and groin are areas that are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms of frostbite include reddened, white or grayish tissue. In cases of severe frostbite, the flesh will turn black and slough off over the course of several days. If you suspect your pet is suffering from frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If it looks like you may be housebound for longer than a few days, consider alternative forms of exercise such as signing up for an agility or fly-ball class. Taking a class has added benefit of being mentally stimulating for your dog as well as wearing him out physically.

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My dog Cody, also hates the rain, but loves the snow. When it’s raining, toileting becomes and issue (although he does eventually go outside). He prefers to go out in front on rainy days, perhaps because the walk to the door is covered so at least when he steps outside he doesn’t immediately get rained on. I also have a customer who told me her pit bull would hug the side of the house out and back (to be under the overhang) to his potty spot.

Comment by Becky — January 6, 2010 #
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