Winter Dog Care
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Protecting your dog in winter. Hypothermia prevention, paw care, antifreeze dangers, and indoor exercise alternatives.
Key Information
What You Need to Know
Practical Recommendations
Expert Tips
Understanding the Research
Budgeting for Pet Care
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Where can I learn more?
Cold stiffness in an older dog belongs with the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines. A small lick of antifreeze is an emergency. Rock salt on pads is a clinic visit if the skin is cracking.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
Cold weather does not add a second kind of annual exam, and it does not cancel the one already due, so puppies are examined every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks in winter the same as in July. Adult dogs need at least a yearly visit, and many dogs from about 7 years, giant breeds earlier, are examined about every six months, and stiffness in the cold is one reason those visits exist. Rock salt cracks pads. Antifreeze licked from a driveway is an emergency in small amounts. A dog who is weak, shivering, or limping on ice should be seen by a veterinarian.
How can I save money on pet care?
Ice-melt burns and antifreeze are the winter ER bills. Use a pet-safer melt, wipe paws, and store radiator fluid where a dog cannot lick a spill. A coat helps a short-haired dog on a cold walk. A heavy-coated dog that is already warm indoors needs cooler rooms, and a coat on that dog adds heat. A wiped paw and a closed garage prevent the more common winter bills.