Winter Fashion for Fido

Protect Your Pet from the Cold

I always love watching my grand-dog Ferris playing in freshly fallen snow. He becomes more of a bouncing bunny than a dog. But for every dog that loves hopping from one snow mound to the next, there’s one that wants to curl up with a blanket and wait for the spring thaw. Playing in snow drifts can be exhilarating for your pup but it’s the freezing temperatures we need to be careful about. While every animal has a personal comfort zone when it comes to temperature and exposure, you need to be mindful of two things: “If it’s too cold for a person to be outside, it’s too cold for your pet” and tolerance to cold temperatures changes as your pet ages. Smaller dogs can get cold more quickly when temperatures drop and even big, thick-coated dogs can get cold. Exposure to cold can be dangerous and in extreme cases, result in frostbite or hypothermia. We recently experienced below 0 degree temperatures that made time spent outdoors limited to mere minutes and justified warm clothing for both dog owners and their dogs. 

One of the things we can do as responsible pet owners is bundle up our pets for outdoor activities. Oh sure, it’s fun to dress up our dogs with stylish bandanas or bows for any season and for fun fashion, but in colder climates and inclement weather, coats and snow boots are much more than just a fashion statement. I have to confess that we tried boots with grand-dog Ferris and it did not go well. Dog experts suggest slowly training your pet with one booty at a time and working up to all 4 with an abundance of treats for rewards. Boots should be lightweight, waterproof, have a softer sole and provide good traction on slippery surfaces. Happily, Ferris does tolerate his coat and is one dapper dog when he rocks his daily walks. Coats should be easy to take off and on and be water and wind resistant. Cold weather, doggie-approved wardrobes can be found at local retailers or online sites. The products being offered today make me jealous. My closet should look so good. You can purchase a full wardrobe for your fashionista fido, from warm sweaters and capes to tutus. I even found an ugly Christmas sweater, dog-size. 

The thickest coats and booties don’t mean unlimited outdoor time though. Small and thin furred dogs need outdoor time limits even in milder wilder temperatures. If you have a winter loving dog like Ferris, that gets excited to play in the snow, they will be fine with typical moderate winter temperatures. The joy they get playing in the snow is great physical exercise and sensory stimulation. With preparation, doggie-wardrobe and knowledge to know when it’s time for indoor warmth, you and your pet can enjoy some cold weather frolics or at least a daily walk around the block. 

Tip: For dogs that refuse booties, there are pet friendly waxes and balms for cracked and dry paws that come with winter. Local retailer, Maine Street Bee offers a beeswax Paw Protection that is sold globally and is especially a big seller in Germany and Switzerland.