Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Oakley
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Meme of the day: Very well, thanks!
Can you afford an emergency vet bill? This one product could save your pet
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Don’t get caught by surprise and get FREE pet insurance for accidents and illnesses just from having a no annual fee Nibbles pet rewards credit card. And if nothing bad happens, then great, you get 3x rewards on pet-related purchases and at the vet plus 1x rewards everywhere else, so you can give them more toys and treats each and every day.
Keep the Tail Wagging: Essential Tips for Dog Walks in the Deep Freeze
As the temperatures plummet and winter settles in, the brisk air might feel invigorating to us—but for our canine companions, a simple walk can quickly turn into a dangerous exposure. When the mercury drops into "dangerously cold" territory, it’s time to shift from casual strolls to strategic, safety-focused outings.
Here is a warm and engaging guide to making sure your dog stays safe, comfortable, and happy, even when the thermometer is hitting single digits!
Know the Danger Zone
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand when it's too cold to walk your dog, especially if they are a small, short-haired, or senior breed.
Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Risk Level | Action Plan |
32°F - 20°F | Low/Moderate | Proceed with caution. Short-haired, small, and elderly dogs likely need a coat. Limit time outdoors. |
20°F - 0°F | High | Protective gear is mandatory. Walks should be very short (5-10 minutes) for potty breaks only. Watch for signs of cold stress. |
Below 0°F | Extreme | Avoid walks entirely. Only go out for quick, necessary potty breaks. Consider indoor exercise. |
💡 Rule of Thumb: If it feels too cold for you to stand outside without a coat, it's definitely too cold for your dog to be unprotected.
The Power of the Puffy Coat: Choosing the Right Gear
Just like us, dogs need layers to trap heat. This is especially true for breeds without a thick undercoat, like Greyhounds, Boxers, or Chihuahuas.
The Coat: Look for a coat that covers your dog from the neck to the tail base, and ideally has coverage for the chest and belly. A waterproof or water-resistant exterior is a huge plus, as a wet coat will make your dog colder, faster.
The Boots: This is non-negotiable in extreme cold. Boots protect paw pads from ice, snow, sharp debris, and, most importantly, toxic road salt and chemicals.1 Practice wearing them indoors before the cold hits so your dog gets comfortable with the "funny shoes."
The Snood/Neck Warmer: If your dog tolerates it, a snood or scarf that covers the neck and ears (especially for breeds with thin ears) can make a significant difference in preventing heat loss.2
Protecting Those Precious Paws
Paw pads are highly susceptible to frostbite and irritation from de-icing chemicals. Even with boots, or if your dog simply refuses to wear them, extra care is needed.
Balm Barrier: Before a walk, apply a thin layer of a veterinarian-approved paw wax or balm. This creates a protective, moisturizing barrier against the cold and salt.
Wipe Down Immediately: As soon as you step back inside, clean your dog's paws with warm water and a towel. Do not let them lick their paws until you’ve rinsed away all residue from street salt and antifreeze—both are highly toxic.
Check for Ice Balls: Snow and ice can accumulate between your dog’s toes and pads, leading to painful ice balls. Gently check and remove these, or consider trimming the hair between the pads to prevent buildup.
Keep Moving, Keep Warm
Movement is key to generating and maintaining body heat.
The Quick Circuit: Keep the pace brisk. A slow, wandering walk allows the cold to seep in. Plan a route that keeps you both moving steadily from start to finish.
Active Potty Breaks: Don't allow your dog to stand motionless for long periods sniffing the same spot. Encourage them to move to complete their business quickly.
Mental Stimulation Indoors: If the weather is truly brutal, consider skipping the long walk altogether and focusing on indoor activities. Puzzle toys, games of hide-and-seek, or learning new tricks can tire your dog out just as effectively as a physical walk, without the risk of frostbite.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Stay vigilant and look for behavioral cues that indicate your dog is struggling with the cold:
Shivering or shaking (a clear sign of cold stress).
Lifting paws off the ground (a sign that the pads are too cold or irritated).
Whining or barking while outdoors.
Stopping frequently and trying to turn back toward home.
Hunching over or tucking the tail tightly.
If you observe any of these signs, end the walk immediately and get your dog into a warm environment.
By layering up with the right gear, protecting their paws, and keeping walks short and purposeful, you can ensure that your dog’s winter outings remain safe, healthy, and, most importantly, full of the joyful tail wags we love to see!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
Family Photo of the Day:
Bailey!
We want to feature your pup!
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @ozzutheshihtzu
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