When you think of Australia, you don’t automatically think of the snow, but in winter there is quite a bit of it to be found! Popular ski resorts such as Thredbo and Corin Forest are a winter wonderland for humans and on special occasions such as ‘Dogs Day Out In The Snow’, you even get to share the fun with your four legged friends.
However, dogs aren’t quite as tough and resilient as you may think. They have been domesticated and have come to love the creature comforts of a modern home over thousands of years, just like us. Long gone are the days where they were wild and tough; Charlie the Cavoodle hates getting cold just like we do!
Keep Dogs Warm
There are many dog breeds which have thinner hair and less muscle mass and fat, such as greyhounds and whippets and these guys need a coat. It’s not just as a fashion statement, but it helps to keep their core body temperature warm and protect them from a drop in temperature and cold winds.
If your dog usually has a kennel outside, it might be worth setting up a bed inside the home on colder nights, and also towel them down after they’ve been for a walk in the wet and snow. This not only stops a chill setting in on your dog but prevents that damp dog smell that can begin to reside in your home and be difficult to get rid of.
Older Dogs And The Snow
Older dogs, just like their masters get aches, pains, and stiffness in the cold. Keep them warm in a jacket, and you might want to invest in some little dog booties too. They may look a bit funny and like a fad, but they can protect delicate paws. You might also want to adjust their intake of food. If Max the middle aged Labrador isn’t running about as much, furry tummies can begin to grow, and it can cause health problems for an older dog to become overweight.
Don’t Let Dogs Eat Snow!
It might be new and different for your pooch to experience snow, and they love to play, run, and roll around in it! But, it’s wise to keep an eye on your dog and make sure they don’t eat the snow. Snow and ice can bring down the core temperature of your dog, and roadside snow is the worst. It’s full of debris, salt, and other nasties which could harm and possibly poison your dog.
Be A Good Dog Owner
Do right by your dog and anyone else out in the snow by cleaning up after your dog, even in the snow! You might think it will be hidden in the snowfall, but as we all know, snow melts and it’s not right to leave frozen dog poop mixing with slush and water as the snow melts away.
Dogs love being with their owners, wherever they are, but remember, just like us they need to be kept warm and dry to have maximum fun in the snow!
