From exuberant rolling to eating snowballs; snow provides great fun for many pets. But how responsible is the winter weather for dogs and cats? And what should owners pay attention to when they let their four-legged friend go outside?
According to veterinarian Stijn Peters of Eindhoven Animal Hospital, pets can enjoy the snow. “Dogs and cats have well-insulated fur. They can safely go outside.”
Dogs are more dependent on their owners in cold and snowy weather than cats, who often decide for themselves when they go outside. “They are now mainly comfortable indoors on the heater,” says Peters.
Avid snow lovers
During a walk through the snow, Vere sees her dog blossoming completely. “He runs through it, jumps up and rolls in the snow. He loves it,” she says laughing. Malissa also enjoys the enthusiasm of her young puppy: “She is almost nine months old and this is her first snow. She bites the snowballs and is incredibly playful and wild.”
Still, keep paying attention
Despite all the fun, Peter warns against cold paws in dogs. “After walking, dry them thoroughly and remove all snow and ice. Is there a lot of snow stuck in them? Then use cold water to melt it, not warm water. Hot water can damage the skin and cause burns.” Sprinkle salt can also cause problems. “It gets stuck between the hairs in the paws and animals lick it up. That can make them nauseous,” Peters explains.
Clumps of snow between the toes therefore deserve extra attention. Dog owner Marcella also knows this, but she didn’t know that hot water was a no-go. ”Oh really? I have to pay attention to that,” she says in surprise.
Every now and then things go wrong and winter fun leads to a visit to the vet. Peters saw a dog with a ‘cold tail’, an overload of the tail muscles due to prolonged playing or walking in snow or cold water. “This is very painful for dogs,” he says. Fortunately, this remains rare and most pets stay outside for a short time, so they can enjoy the winter weather without any problems.
Extra protection
A jacket or socks are not required, but they can’t hurt. “They already have their own coat: the fur,” says the vet. Dog owner Peter therefore puts a coat on his dog: “He has to get out anyway. I mainly take into account his paws and that he does not stay in the snow for too long.”
The message is clear: winter weather is no reason to stay indoors. As long as owners pay attention, clean their paws and keep their animal dry, snow is above all fun. “Don’t worry,” Peters concludes. “Let them have fun in the snow.”
