We spend a lot of time focusing on keeping safe in the winter. We learn how to avoid the physical harm that the Boulder extreme cold can cause us. But do we do the same for our loved dogs?

snow, dog, border

Let’s look at a list of how to protect Fido and Friends both indoors and outdoors from the bitter cold. Some are obvious, some are less known. All are great!

To protect dogs from bitter cold, consider the following list of items and practices:

  1. Dog Booties: Provide insulation and protection from ice, salt, and cold surfaces.
  2. Insulated Dog Coat: A warm coat, especially for short-haired breeds, offers extra warmth, and stylish is fine!ai generated, dachshund, dog
  3. Heated Dog Bed or Pad: For indoor use, these beds can keep your dog warm and comfortable.
  4. Paw Wax or Balm: Helps protect their paw pads from cracking due to cold and salt.
  5. Dog Sweaters: Good for indoor warmth, particularly for smaller or short-haired breeds.
  6. Avoidance of Ice Melt Chemicals: These can be harmful to their paws and toxic if ingested.
  7. Fresh Water Access: Ensuring they have non-frozen water available to prevent dehydration.dog bowl, dog, dog food
  8. Indoor Shelter: Minimizing time outdoors and ensuring they have a warm place to retreat.
  9. Warm Bedding: Extra blankets or bedding in their usual sleeping area.
  10. Limit Outdoor Time: Shorten walks and outdoor playtime to prevent hypothermia or frostbite.
  11. Dry Them Off: Towel dry your dog after being outside, paying special attention to their paws and in-between toes.
  12. Proper Nutrition: Extra calories might be needed in winter for dogs spending time outdoors to help them maintain their body heat.dog, dog bowl, animal
  13. Avoid Frozen Water Bodies: Keep them away from potentially dangerous frozen ponds or lakes.
  14. Reflective Gear: For visibility during shorter daylight hours, reflective collars or leashes are useful.
  15. Regular Grooming: This helps maintain a healthy coat, which is essential for insulation.golden retriever, isolated, dog

Remember, each dog is unique, and their tolerance to cold can vary significantly based on their breed, size, age, and health. Always monitor your pet for signs of discomfort or distress in cold weather.

 

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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