PET HEALTH CORNER: Breeds who need winter protection

With the cold snap in Ontario, we thought we’d share these tips from our friend Dr. Ryan Llera about what dog breeds need more winter protection. Stay warm out there!

By: Guest blogger Dr. Ryan Llera

Winter is upon us and though you may want to stay inside where it’s warm and curl up by the fire or under a blanket, your dogs still need to get outside to at least use the bathroom.

Admit it, we all probably gain a little weight over the holidays, but some dogs will want to stay out longer and can benefit from the exercise.  Cold-weather breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes, and Newfoundlands generally do pretty well in colder temperatures but there are so many other breeds of dogs or those which may have some medical issues that in some cases you need to take some extra precautions in the cold.

Having a healthy coat in the winter

Short to minimal-hair breeds such as Chinese Cresteds or Boston Terriers are a great example of dogs that may need to bundle up.  Similarly, slender dogs in general that do not have a lot of body fat or muscle mass can be more susceptible to frigid temperatures.  But if you look at the other side, even the longer-haired dogs don’t escape the wrath of the cold and snow.  For any of those dogs who love to dive through the snow or roll around in it, long hair and water don’t mix to create a manageable, healthy hair coat.  Matted or tangled fur can subsequently lead to skin rashes so coats even for these pooches aren’t a bad idea unless you’re superbly committed to brushing them.

Breeds with difficulty breathing in the cold

I don’t know about you but when I’m outside in the middle of January shoveling snow it gets a harder to breathe.  The reason this happens is that cold air will cause some constriction of your airways.  When you look at anatomy, Pugs, Bulldogs, Maltese and other brachycephalic breeds already have a high risk of breathing problems that can be compounded in the brutal cold if they are exposed for too long or get to be too active.  Dogs that also have pre-existing breathing problems like asthma should be closely monitored and if you notice your dog having any breathing issues, get them checked out by your veterinarian.  The best course of action is to take a safe approach and limit any hyperactivity outside.  Additionally, it can help if you keep your home inside at a comfortable temperature without being too hot and with a controlled humidity to make the transition outdoors easier.

Frostbite risk

There are a few other hazards which are simple to prevent.  Frostbite can unfortunately happen to both cats & dogs outside for prolonged periods of time, especially ear tips.  Make sure you bring cats in from the cold and keep a timer to know when it’s time go back inside from outdoor activities with your dog.  Just after a freshly fallen snow and then a further drop in temperature, we can see a slight ice layer on top of the snow.  While smaller dogs may not be heavy enough to step through this, heavier or more energetic dogs may bust through that layer which, if the conditions are proper, can lead to cuts on paws or legs so some boots might come in handy.  And while you’re getting Rover fitted for boots, get something with some traction as icy conditions can lead to slip & fall injuries.  For these dogs, nails can be broken, hip arthritis can be worsened, or ligaments can be torn.

So just like any other time of the year, you are your pet’s best bet to stay healthy by taking a few precautionary measures.  After all, it’s the holiday season and you would rather spend your time surrounded by family, friends, and pets rather than at an animal emergency room.  Enjoy the winter and remember, your pet truly knows if you’ve been naughty or nice!

Dr. Ryan Llera is a small animal veterinarian living & working in Kingston, Ontario where he has been an associate vet at the Kingston Veterinary Clinic since 2012. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Though originally from Florida, he married a Canadian (who is also a vet!) and made the trek up north. He & his wife, Jennifer, share their home with 3 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 horses.  You can find more of Ryan’s blogs at www.drryanllera.com or see what else he is up to on Facebook or Twitter @DrRyanLleraDVM.