Are you planning on traveling in a cold country with your dog? If you are, it's best to make sure to take the right precautions to keep your dog warm and safe in cold weather.
Depending on your dog's origin, size, and coat, they will have a certain resistance to cold weather. With that being said, when there is a significant change in temperature, your dog may struggle to adapt to the new environment.
The most cold-resistant dog breeds
Dog breeds from Nordic countries are more resistant to cold weather. This is thanks to their denser, longer coats. For example, the Chow Chow, Newfoundland dog, and Siberian Husky are dog breeds that are used to low temperatures.
A few precautions to take when traveling to a cold country with your dog
It's very important to take into account your dog's body type, breed, and lifestyle. For small dogs with short, fine coats, it's best to provide them with a coat to protect them from the cold.
In addition, you can protect their paw pads by applying protective cream. You can also put boots on them in snowy weather to prevent their paws from getting frostbite. It's common for dogs' paws to be injured by the cold during walks or hikes. Depending on the temperature, their paws become more fragile and need protection.
It's best not to leave your dog in places where they are likely to get cold (outdoors, gardens, balconies, etc.) for too long and to walk them during warmer hours of the day.
A dog that has been groomed is also more sensitive to the cold. Be careful not to shave your dog's fur too short if you are traveling to a cold country, so that its coat can keep it warm.
The sun's reflection on the snow can also affect your dog's eyes and cause vision problems. It's also best for your dog not to swallow large amounts of snow to avoid stomach and throat irritation.
If your dog exercises frequently, don't hesitate to increase their food intake so that they have all the energy they need during your stay. It's important that your dog consumes more calories and protein in order to maintain a healthy body temperature.
In general, dry cold weather is more tolerable for dogs. As it contains more oxygen, it's very beneficial for dogs. Cold winds, however, can cause heat loss and can be harmful to a dog's health.
These precautions are not particularly necessary if your dog is a Nordic breed. These tips are mainly for dogs that are not used to the cold, older dogs that may have health problems, and young dogs that need to be monitored.
The risks of cold weather for dogs
A sudden change in temperature can cause serious heat loss problems in dogs that are not typically accustomed to the cold. Your dog is prone to catching a cold, which can turn into hypothermia. Similar to humans, hypothermia can have very serious consequences and lead to death.
In case of hypothermia, warm your dog up and dry their wet coat quickly. If you do not see any improvement, contact a vet.
Make sure your dog stays at a temperature of 36°C (≈ 96.8°F) to prevent their body from getting cold. It's recommended to dry your dog's coat with a dry towel to eliminate the cold as quickly as possible.
Originally written by Juliette Bontemps (Yummypets) and translated by Jennifer Eubank (Yummypets).
Have you ever traveled with your dog in a cold country? Which country?
