The moment the snow begins to hit the ground our two German shepherds are frantically jumping around next to the door just waiting to go outside for playtime.
Being that I don't really like the cold, l will usually hope that the dogs will not want me to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow with them.
Unfortunately I know otherwise.
Like many dogs they simply love the snow and they do not really care if I am cold.
They will run, play, jump, and chase each other through the snow for as long as we let them.
The biggest problem for me is that I am freezing after only a couple of minutes.
How can the dogs stand to be outside in the freezing cold? Luckily most dogs come complete with their very own fur coats.
Different breeds of dogs will have different types of fur coats.
With the thickest coats of fur being more common in larger breed dogs, and many small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, having very fine hairs in place of thicker shed and guard coats.
This means that not all breeds are going to be as warm as others and your dog may not like being out in the cold for long.
For those dogs that do not have thick coats ,you might want to invest in getting your pet a winter doggy coat or sweater.
These will help keep your pet warm and dry during your winter outings.
Their not that expensive and can be bought at your local pet shops.
This will allow your pet to enjoy walking and playing outdoors.
You should also be concerned with another potential problem with regards to cold weather issues for your pets, that of your pets paws.
The pads on your dogs feet are often overlooked by many pet owners when it comes to pet health problems.
There are a couple of common items to keep an eye on.
The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter how tough you think your pets feet are, the truth is that your pets pads and toes are susceptible to cold damage.
Snow and ice is frozen water, and can cause frost burns and frostbite.
When your pets are outside they are basically standing directly on the cold snow for an extended period of time.
There is not a lot insulation around your pets feet.
As an experiment, try placing your un-gloved hand in the snow for a few minutes.
How long did it take for you to pull it out? Trust me it wasn't that long.
Less then a minute most likely.
How cold was your hand? Even though your pet's foot pads are tougher then your hand at dealing with the cold, they are not as good as a nice pair of boots.
Just as you made sure to place heavy boots on your own feet, some dogs may prefer to have canine boots on their feet.
Another important aspect of caring for your pets feet during the winter is dealing with the salt used to clear ice from your steps or walkways.
Ice removal products, generally either a form of salt or a combination of chemical melting agents, can cause serious burns to your pets feet if not removed.
Your pet is walking in the same stuff you are, but unlike your boots, his paws do not come off when he comes inside the house.
Make sure you clean off his feet by using a warm wet washcloth to wipe off and rinse clean and salt residue.
Pay special attention to cleaning any salt from the pads and in between the toes.
This would also be the perfect time for you to check your pets toes for sensitivity, damage, or potential problems.
So keep an eye on your pet's feet this winter.
Learn their behavior and use your best judgment to determine if your pet's feet are too cold or hurting.
Next time your taking out your winter gear, remember that your four-legged friends will appreciate you taking care of their cold weather needs as well.
Being that I don't really like the cold, l will usually hope that the dogs will not want me to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow with them.
Unfortunately I know otherwise.
Like many dogs they simply love the snow and they do not really care if I am cold.
They will run, play, jump, and chase each other through the snow for as long as we let them.
The biggest problem for me is that I am freezing after only a couple of minutes.
How can the dogs stand to be outside in the freezing cold? Luckily most dogs come complete with their very own fur coats.
Different breeds of dogs will have different types of fur coats.
With the thickest coats of fur being more common in larger breed dogs, and many small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, having very fine hairs in place of thicker shed and guard coats.
This means that not all breeds are going to be as warm as others and your dog may not like being out in the cold for long.
For those dogs that do not have thick coats ,you might want to invest in getting your pet a winter doggy coat or sweater.
These will help keep your pet warm and dry during your winter outings.
Their not that expensive and can be bought at your local pet shops.
This will allow your pet to enjoy walking and playing outdoors.
You should also be concerned with another potential problem with regards to cold weather issues for your pets, that of your pets paws.
The pads on your dogs feet are often overlooked by many pet owners when it comes to pet health problems.
There are a couple of common items to keep an eye on.
The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter how tough you think your pets feet are, the truth is that your pets pads and toes are susceptible to cold damage.
Snow and ice is frozen water, and can cause frost burns and frostbite.
When your pets are outside they are basically standing directly on the cold snow for an extended period of time.
There is not a lot insulation around your pets feet.
As an experiment, try placing your un-gloved hand in the snow for a few minutes.
How long did it take for you to pull it out? Trust me it wasn't that long.
Less then a minute most likely.
How cold was your hand? Even though your pet's foot pads are tougher then your hand at dealing with the cold, they are not as good as a nice pair of boots.
Just as you made sure to place heavy boots on your own feet, some dogs may prefer to have canine boots on their feet.
Another important aspect of caring for your pets feet during the winter is dealing with the salt used to clear ice from your steps or walkways.
Ice removal products, generally either a form of salt or a combination of chemical melting agents, can cause serious burns to your pets feet if not removed.
Your pet is walking in the same stuff you are, but unlike your boots, his paws do not come off when he comes inside the house.
Make sure you clean off his feet by using a warm wet washcloth to wipe off and rinse clean and salt residue.
Pay special attention to cleaning any salt from the pads and in between the toes.
This would also be the perfect time for you to check your pets toes for sensitivity, damage, or potential problems.
So keep an eye on your pet's feet this winter.
Learn their behavior and use your best judgment to determine if your pet's feet are too cold or hurting.
Next time your taking out your winter gear, remember that your four-legged friends will appreciate you taking care of their cold weather needs as well.
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