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For all dogs, winter poses health risks.

Whether it’s ice, chapped paws, or flaking skin, owners need to be tuned in to what the cold weather can mean for our four-legged friends. While there’s no one right answer for an exact safe outdoor temperature for your dog, here are some basic things to keep in mind:

• If it’s snowing - especially wet snow - it can be more uncomfortable. Body temperatures lower faster with any type of moisture. Shorten your walk time in those conditions.
• A dog’s age, breed, and health are all major factors. Puppies and elder dogs are much more sensitive to the cold because their bodies can’t regulate their body temperatures as well.
• It’s important to know how much the wind chill lowers the feel of the actual temperature. Always go by the temperature with the wind chill included.
• Any physical conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia will be aggravated by the cold. Keep pets with these conditions inside where it’s warm.

Pay attention to dog’s signals

One of the most important things you can do is pay attention to the signals your dog is giving you. Any outdoor time should be supervised. If they are shivering, standing in a hunched position, lifting their paw(s) off the ground, and whining or barking, bring them inside. More serious signs are lethargy, weakness, or slowed breathing which are all signs of hypothermia. Keep an eye out for frostbite as well. The most common places this will affect are the tail, paws, and ear tips. If they are turning pale or blue, get your dog to a veterinarian.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals offers dog owners these general tips during cold weather:

1. If it is too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, injured, or even killed from being left outdoors in the cold. Don’t leave pets alone in the car. It can act like a refrigerator and hold in the cold air, which can result in your pet freezing. This could lead to serious health concerns, including death.
2. After each walk, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach. While on a walk, your pet may step in ice, salt, and chemicals — which can be very painful. Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
3. Massage petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads before going outside to help protect them from salt and chemical agents. Booties can be even more effective if your dog will wear them. Salt and other chemicals can cause illness if ingested.
4. Keep your home humidified and towel-dry your pet as soon as they come inside to avoid itchy, flaking skin. Repeatedly going into the cold and then coming back to a warm home can cause this skin reaction.
5. Never shave your dog down to their skin during winter. Longer coats provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, just trim them to minimize clinging ice balls, salt crystals, and de-icing chemicals that can dry out their skin. Don’t neglect the hair between their toes. Get short-haired dogs a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from tail to belly.
6. Try not to bathe your pet as often during cold spells. Bathing too often can remove necessary essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If you must bathe your furry friend, use a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse recommended by your veterinarian. Be sure they are completely dry before taking them outside.
7. Thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is lethal for dogs and cats. It tastes sweet, so animals may ingest it. A very small amount can be fatal. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Cold weather chemicals like ice melt can be dangerous when ingested, so keep them out of paws’ reach.
8. Feed your pet a little extra in the winter months. Our pets work a little harder to stay warm in the winter and therefore burn extra energy. Feeding them a bit extra can provide much-needed calories. Make sure they are drinking plenty of water. It will help keep them - and their skin - hydrated.
9. Ensure your furry companion has a warm place to sleep that’s off the floor and away from drafts. A cozy dog bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
10. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, so make sure your dog always wears an ID tag.

While you don’t want to let the cold weather keep your dog from getting exercise, you may have to limit your walks to only 5 or 10 minutes. Be sure to get them outside even if it’s just for a little bit when the weather is appropriate. When Mother Nature isn’t cooperative, make sure they are getting sufficient potty breaks and find other indoor activities to keep them active.

RELATED READING: Your dog and hypothermia