High Winter Dog Walking Injury Rates: Be Aware!
Thus, during the harsh winters in the north, many dog owners are not exactly thrilled to see snow, not because they fear the cold, but because their tails can truly suffer from the pain of slipping on the ice. Some dogs are even more agile on the snow than humans, capable of sliding around with ease, sometimes even outpacing us. The slippery surfaces of ice and snow provide a playground for our canine companions, where they could theoretically glide across the entire planet. However, not all dogs are equipped to withstand the extreme cold with ease.
In this unique season, for dog owners, a sore bottom might be a minor inconvenience, as we've all grown accustomed to the occasional fall over the years. But for our furry friends, winter is a time of joy, whether they're frolicking outside or staying cozy at home. One thing to always keep in mind is keeping them warm. We should not rely solely on our own feelings to determine if they're cold. Only when they start to shiver, their paws feel cold, and their movements slow down, do we need to take proper warming measures.
Clothing is one of the most direct ways to keep them warm, but it's important to note that not all dogs are suited for wearing clothes. As our fourlegged companions, especially purebred dogs, their physiological characteristics have been shaped over generations of human intervention, leading to significant differences. We can categorize them into shorthaired and longhaired breeds, with the latter further divided into singlelayer and doublelayer coats. Without a doubt, shorthaired breeds like Chihuahuas and Shetland Sheepdogs, which are naturally lean, require clothing for warmth during winter outings.
For dogs like Labs and Dobermans, which are robust and muscular, individual differences must be considered. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with illnesses also need careful attention when going outside. Longhaired dogs, on the other hand, can be more complex. Owners need to determine whether their longhaired breeds have singlelayer or doublelayer coats. For instance, the famous "sledge dogs" like Siberian Huskies have doublelayer coats, with a thick undercoat beneath their long hair that helps protect against the cold. Therefore, it's not advisable to dress them in heavy clothing during winter. Dogs like the Afghan Hound, which are also slender and have singlelayer coats, require additional warmth measures when going outside.
When it comes to footwear, it's unnecessary to consider putting shoes on dogs, as they are not humans. If their paws are not injured, there's no need for shoes to protect them. In fact, wearing shoes can lead to fungal growth on their feet, potentially causing skin diseases. Moreover, electric blankets are a dangerous option for southern dogs. Dogs are not aware of how to turn them off, and prolonged use can lead to burns. Additionally, as electrical appliances, electric blankets are difficult to ensure they won't be chewed by curious or bored dogs, which could lead to electric shocks if they are damaged.
In winter, most organisms spend their energy on staying warm. Instead of resorting to fancy warming methods, it's better to simply increase our dogs' food intake. For dogs that are active, you can increase their dog food by 1/2. If the weather is extremely cold and their activity levels decrease, you can increase it by 1/3. Otherwise, you might end up questioning your dog's species after a winter!
For dogs that frequently go outside, their fur can easily tangle and accumulate mud and snow. After a bath, ensure their fur is completely dry before letting them go outside. Additionally, it's best to reduce the frequency of bathing during winter. If it's not convenient to use water, consider using petspecific dry shampoo. Once everything is in place, enjoy the winter snow and ice together!
What's the greatest joy of this season than playing in the snow with our dogs? Dogs in the far north have already experienced the happiness of living with ice and snow. Recently, dogs in the south have also had the chance to see snow.
