As wet as the last few months have been, the next couple will be just as cold. The weather isn’t getting less extreme, it’s just getting extreme in other directions. We are already experiencing below freezing temperatures across the country, and weather forecasts for the next two weeks and beyond predict that temperatures will simply continue to drop.

Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to illness during the winter and need to be well cared for. With the month set to turn unusually cold, it might be worth remembering the best ways to keep your dog safe during the winter.

have them checked

You may not have noticed any symptoms yet, but existing conditions can quickly accelerate during the winter if you haven’t taken precautions. Visit the vet to make sure your pet is healthy and happy before the cold weather hits.

A warm place to live

Ideally, you should keep your dog indoors as much as possible. But at least he’ll need to walk, and some dogs just aren’t suited for indoors. Be sure to properly insulate your house, cover the floor with wood chips or straw.

Remember, if you ever notice your dog shivering, whether he’s sleeping outside or just taking a walk, bring him inside right away until you can better isolate him.

Cleanliness

For short-haired dogs, this is less of a problem, they have poor insulation, so put a warm coat on them. Long-haired dogs will need regular grooming to prevent matted fur and dirt. A clean dog is a better isolated dog.

At a minimum, be sure to dry your dog whenever he gets wet, as well as wipe snow off his paws. Many homeowners like to put a little Vaseline on there to prevent minor cuts and cracks.

Thaw safely

Salt is highly toxic to dogs, and many pets have died from swallowing paintballs or drinking too much seawater. Unsurprisingly, thawing salt is highly toxic to dogs, but many will still seek it out and eat it given the chance. Be sure not to use it yourself and consider asking your neighbors if they intend to use it. There’s no need to discourage them, but having an idea of ​​where the salt will be can be a productive start.

And keep in mind that antifreeze is also poisonous. Unfortunately, the chemical tastes surprisingly sweet, and dogs won’t hesitate to try it. There are safer alternatives to both antifreeze and salt, although they can also be substantially more expensive. Just clean up spills and make sure you know where these substances will be, so your pets can avoid them.