Fur coats not always enough to protect animals from cold

Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2004


&nbsp; Clarion file photo A young moose lounges in the mess it made while foraging for scraps from a Kenai resident's garbage. Winter is a time when many animals are tempted to Dumpster-dive, a practice that often results in their death. Photo by M. Scott Moon


Photo by M. Scott Moon

Winter in Alaska can present some important health hazards to pets, and special considerations often must be taken to protect them from cold weather injuries and ailments.


Signs of hypothermia include mental dullness, severe mental depression or unresponsiveness, and loss of consciousness in extreme cases.


Signs of frostbite may include swollen or pinkish skin, which often will turn white to gray. Skin may seem to improve at first, but then blister or slough days afterward.












Some small, short-haired breeds may require a sweater for extra warmth, and medium to long-haired dogs will need regular grooming to ensure their coat provides good insulation.

Take special precautions when using heat sources such as electric blankets, portable heaters, and even fireplaces that could potentially burn your dog.

Pets also should not be left alone in vehicles. It can get too cold too quickly and leaving the engine running can be dangerous. Also, like people, pets need to have adequate supplies in the vehicle in case of an emergency breakdown. Leave a few fleece blankets in the trunk and bring plastic containers with food.


The layer closest to the body is made of a thin, fleece or wool material to provide insulation and wick moisture away from the body. Outer layers can be thicker and should provide more of a shell, preventing water and moisture from getting in, but breathable enough to allow water molecules and heat leaving the body to escape.

Take off the wet layers immediately upon returning indoors, and towel or blow-dry your dog if they are still wet from the rain or snow.

Booties are great for keeping your dogs feet dry and warm. Several styles are available and booties can be made of Polypropylene, Cordura, fleece, leather and Gortex Selecting the right one depends on your specific needs.

Comfort, durability, ability to repel water and type of fastener (how the bootie is held on the dog's foot) are other important considerations when shopping for booties.

Some dogs will be problematic when wearing their booties for the first few times. Be patient and give them lots of positive reinforcement. Dogs that refuse booties run the risk of frostbite to their footpads.

Rock salt, which is commonly used in winter, can cause irritation, or tiny cuts and cracks to their pads, as well. Some small dogs can even become frozen or stuck to icy areas and injure themselves while trying to break free.

Clean and dry your pet's pads as soon as you're back indoors. A little petroleum jelly applied to the pads can further reduce cracking.


Walking your dog on a leash is a good idea any time of year, but this is especially true during winter. Snow can obscure where the yard or sidewalk ends and the street begins. A dog may un-knowingly run into the road or oncoming traffic because they can't clearly define their usual boundaries.

Walking a dog on a leash also can cut down on injuries related to slips and falls on ice. Playing in the snow is a blast, but playing on ice can lead to injuries that can result in torn ligaments, broken bones and hurt backs.


Winter becomes a difficult time for many predators, as well, which can increase their interactions with companion animals. Eagles and owls swoop down and fly away with small dogs every year in Alaska.

Homes close to forests and undeveloped land are more prone to visits from coyotes and other predators that may attempt to prey on small pets more frequently during the harsh winter months.

Keeping pets on leashes and staying observant while walking them can help prevent these scenarios.

Also, just because it's winter doesn't mean your dog wants to, or should, play any less. There are many obedience and agility classes offered that can be a good source for indoor exercise and recreation.

Winter can be a wonderful time of year for pets and their care givers, and responsible pet owners should take the necessary steps to provide proper care for their dogs during these challenging times of year.

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