5 ways cold weather can affect your dog

While it’s tempting to think your dog’s fur coat will provide everything they need to stay warm and safe this winter, they still need a little help from their human companions. As temperatures set to drop, certain risks increase for your dog. Here are 5 ways cold weather can affect your dog,

DANGER OF SLIPPING/FALLING AND EXPOSURE TO TOXINS

During icy and snowy conditions, slippery surfaces increase the risk of injuries due to falls. And while salting is a convenient solution for humans, the types of salt used to melt ice and snow and keep it from refreezing are somewhat harsh for our four-legged friends. These salts – typically calcium or sodium chloride – can irritate the pads of your dog’s feet and are toxic if ingested. DIFFICULTY

REGULATING BODY TEMPERATURE IN SICK OR ELDERLY DOGS

Low body temperature can affect your dog’s bodily functions in many ways, and older dogs and those with kidney problems, Cushing’s disease, or hormonal issues can have a harder time regulating their body temperature. A low body temp can affect how well their heart works, cause an irregular heartbeat, and bring about low oxygen in the body or a change in blood pressure. It can suppress the immune system, leading to a higher infection rate and slower wound healing. Cold can also affect the gastrointestinal system, slowing down digestion as well as making it harder for the liver to metabolize medications.

ALTERED METABOLISM

It takes energy to keep warm, and some dogs may need a slight increase in calories once the temperature drops below a certain degree to maintain body heat. For this reason, dogs subjected to cold have an altered metabolism, which may cause weight loss. However, keep in mind that not all dogs need this bump in calories, especially if they are sedentary in the winter – the health challenges overweight pets face are very serious.

SUSCEPTIBILITY TO FROSTBITE

When your dog is exposed to extreme cold, such as when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), their blood vessels constrict to divert blood towards their core to keep the vital organs warm. This reduces blood flow to the extremities, meaning their ears, tail, and paws are susceptible to frostbite. The combination of decreased blood flow and cold temperature can lead to the freezing of the tissues, which causes severe damage.

RISK OF BEING LEFT IN COLD CARS

A lot of attention is paid to the dangers of leaving an animal trapped in a hot car during the summer, but the risk is just as serious in winter. In lower temperatures, cars act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold, and this can cause hypothermia and even death.