Training Tips

Frostbite, hypothermia and even death are real dangers to your dog as the snow piles up and the mercury drops.

It is generally assumed by many that, because of their furry coats, dogs are impervious to the cold and can take whatever winter dishes out. But not all dogs are tolerant to the cold. Puppies, smaller dogs and older dogs should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When your dog is exposed to the cold for too long, frostbite can set in. Frostbite occurs when the dog’s ears, paws or tail get cold enough that ice crystals form in the tissue and causes damage. If you think your dog has frostbite, bring him into a warm area and soak the affected areas with warm water for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, contact your local veterinarian immediately.

Hypothermia, which occurs when the dog’s body temperature goes below normal as a result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, is another very real danger during the cold winter months. Symptoms of hypothermia typically include shivering, lethargy, a low heart rate, slow breathing and unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these symptoms, warm the dog immediately and contact your veterinarian.

If your dog needs to stay outside for long periods of time, make sure he has a dry, warm and draft-free doghouse. And just like Goldilocks looking for a bed, the doghouse should be just the right size in order to provide warmth and comfort.

“If the doghouse is too large, it will not maintain the appropriate temperatures,” stated Liam Crowe, Bark Busters’ president, CEO and master trainer. “If it is too small, your dog will be unable to move around, thus limiting the dog’s circulation and reducing his ability to keep himself warm.”

If you don’t have a doghouse and have to use your garage for shelter, check for antifreeze spills and other dangerous elements within the dog’s reach. Antifreeze tastes sweet, and some forms of it are toxic to animals.

A dog’s internal system works extra hard in the cold to maintain appropriate body temperatures. As such, your dog needs extra fuel to burn and generate heat. Also, remember to provide plenty of fresh drinking water and keep it from freezing. It is just as easy to get dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer if proper amounts of water are not consumed.

Try to keep snow from building up along fences so it does not provide artificial steps that will allow your dog to get out of the safety of your yard. If he does get out, remember that ice-melting chemicals commonly used on public streets can irritate and burn your dog’s paws. Be sure to rinse off his feet after being exposed to such chemicals.

Winter months can be just as hazardous to your dog’s health as the summer months. But by taking the right precautions and using good old common sense, you can help protect your dog from the dangers that can accompany the harsh winter climate.

About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world's largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, more than 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 225+ franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior.

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