As with humans, a dog’s health and wellbeing changes with the seasons. It’s important to learn about cold- and warm-weather care for your dog, along with potential threats like frostbite and heatstroke. Climate can also affect the way you travel with your pet—so read on for a comprehensive health and weather forecast.

Cold Weather Care

The harsh winter weather can pose a slew of health challenges for your dog—that is, if you don’t take steps to “winterize” him. There are ways to make this cold season an easy one for you and your pet.

Well-nourished dogs, particularly those housed outdoors, are better prepared to withstand the rigors of winter. Outdoor pets normally need more food to generate enough energy to cope with the cold. Along with a good diet, outdoor pets need plenty of fresh water, just like your indoor pals. They cannot eat snow in sufficient amounts to prevent dehydration. Make sure to offer your dog fresh water several times a day.

Dogs housed indoors tend to be less active and expend less energy, so may require less food than outdoor dogs. It’s important, however, to continue their regular exercise. Dogs that are shorthaired, geriatric, or ill will need the protective warmth of a dog sweater or jacket during outside jaunts.

Hearty as they are, outdoor dogs still need protective shelter, particularly from severe cold. Your pet’s house should be insulated, elevated, protected from prevailing winds, and watertight. Because they use their own body to keep warm, the house should be small enough to preserve his body heat. Also make sure to keep his bedding clean and dry.

Here are some cold-weather dangers you should look out for:

• Snow or ice can get caught between your dog’s toes, causing sores created by moisture. Do regular “paw checks” and wipe off any wetness you find.
• Salt and other de-icers used on sidewalks and roads may irritate paw pads and cause them to bleed.
• A damp hair coat can cause your dog to get sick. Be sure to keep him dry by wiping him down with a dry towel after he’s been outdoors in wet or snowy weather.
• Antifreeze is toxic to pets—and they’re attracted to its sweet taste—so store antifreeze where your dog can’t reach it. Anti-freeze ingestion requires immediate veterinary treatment.
• Indoor dogs may experience dry skin and shedding as a result of low humidity. Frequent brushing helps remove both dead hair and skin, and stimulates oil their glands.
• Fireplace fumes may cause respiratory problems in some dogs. Keep fireplaces screened and train your dog to keep a safe distance.
  
• Frostbite is the damage caused to skin and other tissues by overexposure to extreme cold—and it is a formidable threat to pets during the winter. Read below for details on how to treat and prevent frostbite in your dog.

Frostbite

Your dog could experience frostbite if accidentally left outside or lost in a snowstorm. Their ears, paw pads, and tail are most susceptible. Signs of frostbite include: flushed and reddened tissues, white or greyish tissues, evidence of shock, scaly skin, and possible shedding of dead skin. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, see your veterinarian at once. At home, never rub frozen or exposed tissues, as this causes additional damage. Instead, rapidly warm the affected area by immersing your dog in warm (never hot) water or by using warm, moist towels. As soon as the affected tissues become flushed, discontinue warming. Then, gently dry the area and cover with a clean, dry, non-adhering bandage.

Puppies and older dogs are especially vulnerable during harsh winter weather, so they’ll need your extra attention and care. If you have any general concerns about your pet’s wellbeing and health during the cold months ahead, consult your veterinarian for more tips on care.

Warm Weather Care

Mingled with the joys of summer are possible dangers to our dogs. Be aware of threats to their comfort and safety to make summertime living easier for you both.

You might notice that your dog is eating less during the summer. Don’t worry; this is normal. Unless he displays other signs of illness, eating less is okay. Just make sure to provide plenty of cold, fresh water to keep him cool. During periods of extreme heat, a few ice cubes in the water bowl can help.

Here are some warm-weather dangers to look out for:

• Heartworm disease is a common summer ailment caused by certain mosquitoes. A veterinarian can check your dog for heartworm and other internal parasites, as well as provide vaccinations.
• Fleas and ticks are another summer problem that can be controlled with regular grooming. Examine your pet’s hair coat carefully during each grooming session for evidence of external parasites.
• Some insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used on lawns and gardens may be harmful or even toxic to dogs. If your pet tends to eat grass, keep him away from freshly sprayed lawns. Also clean his paws regularly to prevent him from licking off harmful chemicals.
• Certain plants may cause irritation, illness, or death if ingested by pets. Amaryllis, daffodil, tulip and iris bulbs, azalea, lily of the valley, yew, dieffenbachia, philodendron, and caladium are just a few, so be sure to keep your garden and houseplants out of your dog’s reach.
• Hot pavement, sticky tar, and gravel may cause footpad problems. To remove tar from footpads, rub them with petroleum jelly, then gently wash with mild soap and water, rinsing thoroughly when done.
• Heat stress—and most commonly, heatstroke—is a real threat to dogs during the summer. Read below for details on how to treat and prevent heatstroke.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke develops rapidly and is caused by exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation. Symptoms include panting; a “staring” or anxious expression; failure to respond to commands; warm, dry skin; an extremely high temperature; dehydration; rapid heartbeat; and collapse. To treat heatstroke, quickly immerse your dog in cool water or spray him with a garden hose to help lower his body temperature. If water is not available, apply ice packs to the head and neck and move him to a cool place. A gentle breeze from a fan may help. And be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as any heatstroke symptoms arise.

TIP: You may be tempted to give your dog a short summer haircut or even shave his coat, but think twice. Recently trimmed dogs may become sunburn victims—and are just as susceptible to heat stress as dogs with their natural hair coats. In fact, a dog’s coat has isolative characteristics to help protect him from heat, so it’s best to avoid close clipping during hot weather.

Travel & Weather

As your summer travel plans get underway, you may be thinking about taking your dog with you. Before you decide, ask yourself these questions:

• Will he be welcome at our vacation destination?
• Will he enjoy the trip?
• Is my pet in good health?

If you’ve answered “yes,” to all three, accustom you dog to riding in your car. Begin with short rides each day, and gradually increase the length of each ride. If your dog is unable to adjust to short rides, a responsible sitter or a boarding kennel is the better choice. If you do board your pup, make reservations well in advance—especially for summer months and major holidays—as space can fill up fast.

Health Check

• Are your dog's vaccinations up-to-date?
• Does he have appropriate heartworm protection if the mosquito season begins earlier, or ends later, in the area you will be visiting?

Packing for Your Pooch

• Carry health and rabies certificates with you. They may be needed if you travel by air or if you need to board your dog during your trip. Such information is routinely required crossing international borders.
• Pack your pup’s water and food bowls, grooming equipment, and any heartworm or other medicine he may require. If you are not certain that his usual diet will be available at your destination, take a supply with you to avoid digestive upsets caused by a sudden diet change.

Identification

• Be certain your dog is wearing an identification tag stating his name along with your name, home address, and telephone number. If possible, your vacation address and telephone number should be included as well.
• Take colour pictures of your pup and a write-up a description of his colourings and distinguishing marks. Should he get lost, having these aids on hand could make the difference in locating him.
• Do not feed your dog for at least three hours before leaving on a trip, and remember to take him for a walk just before starting the drive.
• During stops, provide plenty of fresh drinking water. You may also reward him with a treat or snack for being a good traveller.
• Feed your pup shortly after you arrive at your destination.

Travelling By Car

• If your car has adequate space, using a carrier is the safest way for your dog to travel. Never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where he could become overheated. Alternatively, you might consider using a restraining harness.
• Always put your dog on a leash before letting him out of the car.
• Never leave your dog in a closed car on a hot day. Temperatures can rise quickly even if the windows are cracked open. And the heat and insufficient air circulation can quickly lead to heat stress, suffocation, or even death.

Travelling By Air

• Try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer. Travelling in extreme hot or cold weather may be dangerous if your dog must wait very long before loading and unloading. Plan a trip with as few stops and transfers as possible.
• Make hotel, resort, and airline reservations for your dog well in advance. Some airlines have limited space for transporting pets.
• Some airlines allow cats and small dogs to travel with their owner (generally for an additional charge), if the carrier fits under the passenger seat. Otherwise, rent or purchase a carrier or crate which meets airline regulations and affix a LIVE ANIMAL sticker to its outside. Further, mark it with your name and address, and an emergency contact at your travel destination.
• Put a cushion or blanket on the crate’s floor, and attach a water cup to its door.
• On the day of the flight, take your dog for a long walk before leaving for the airport.
• Upon arrival, pick up your pet first thing.

Certain countries and island destinations require a quarantine period at the owner’s expense. Ask your travel agent, or the consul of the country you plan to visit, about quarantine laws.

At your vacation site, observe all regulations regarding pets. Confine your dog to a carrier or restricted space when leaving him alone. Your consideration will help keep pets welcome guests.

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