Dogs in winter – what’s really important?

 

Our dogs need to go for walks every day, no matter the weather. Extreme cold can also become dangerous for dogs. Many know that you have to be careful. Less well known is often when it becomes critical and what happens in the body in case of hypothermia. Here is a practical overview with veterinarian tips.

 

These questions are not new, but do you know the right answer?

• When do dogs really freeze?
• Does my dog need paw protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment.?
• Are dog coats useful?
• Dog shoes – yes or no?
• What happens in case of hypothermia?

When do dogs freeze?

The comfort range for dogs is at temperatures around 15 to 19 °C.

It can already become critical for some dogs below 7 °C, especially for:

 

• Small dogs
• Dogs with thin or wet fur
• Puppies
• Very old dogs
• Dogs with pre-existing conditions

 

At temperatures around freezing point (0 °C), these dogs can already experience serious problems due to hypothermia. The walks should then be shorter.

From about -12 °C it becomes dangerous for all dogs, and protective measures (paw protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment., coat, possibly shoes) are then very useful.

 

Warning signs that your dog is freezing:

• Shivering
• Lifting paws
• Tucking tail
• Clumsy gait, appearing stiff
• Whining or Restlessness

If these signs occur: end the walk, warm up the dog at home in peace.

Summary

Table: Temperature, assessment, hazard, measures and warning signs

Temperature	Assessment	Hazard	Measures	Warning signs
15-19 °C	comfortable range	None	Normal walks possible	None
< 7 °C	Already critical for some dogs – additional protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. needed	· Small dogs · Dogs with thin fur · Wet dogs · Puppies, · very old dogs · Dogs with pre-existing conditions	More attention possibly already Heat protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment.	· Shivering · Lifting paws · Tucking tail · clumsy gait · Whining
Around 0 °C	Serious problems due to hypothermia possible	Risk groups as above	· Walks significantly shorter · End early · Observe dog closely · Paw protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment.	· Shivering · Lifting paws · Tucking tail · clumsy gait · Whining
From approx. -12 °C	Dangerous for all dogs	All dogs	· Paw protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. · Dog coats · Dog shoes(?)	Closely monitor dog in general

Does my dog need paw protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment.?

 

Cold, grit and especially road salt can lead to injuries on the paws. Dog shoes are not always necessary.

Before the walk, it is recommended to grease the paws, e.g. with Vaseline, and after the walk it is important to rinse out road salt. Road salt dries out the skin of the pads. It can lead to cracks and small injuries that are entry points for bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.. If the dog cleans its paws itself, it can lead to stomach problems.

 

It is helpful to shorten the hair between the toes so that no snow clumps form there, which in turn can chafe.

 

Are dog coats useful

 

Dog coats are not fashion, but useful. Get your dog used to liking it in good time.

 

Coats should be:

• water-repellent
• breathable
• not too tight (constriction, injury)
• not too loose (heat loss, risk of getting caught)

 

Dog shoes – yes or no?

Dog shoes are worth considering, but also often associated with problems. They must be water-repellent on the outside and softly padded on the inside and, of course, not too big or too small.

 

Hypothermia – What happens in the body?

In case of mild hypothermia

 

• Constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), especially in the extremities (legs, ears)

A reflexive constriction of the blood vessels in the periphery of the body leads to an increased blood flow to the kidneys, associated with the increased formation of diluted urine. This can result in excessive fluid and electrolyte loss (dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.).

• Increase in metabolism and activation of the muscles (shivering)

Certain structures in the brain have a metabolism-stimulating effect to counteract hypothermia and to activate the muscles (shivering),

which results in increased heat production. As a result, the body can produce enough heat itself to recover from mild hypothermia (32–35 °C), provided it is brought to an optimal ambient temperature.

Warm, slightly sweetened liquid to drink has a positive effect, as it supports the energy balance (shivering) and helps to compensate for dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.. Drying the coat and warming blankets are always helpful. However, direct heat sources (infrared lamps) should never be directed directly at the skin, as this can cause burns.

In case of moderate and severe hypothermia

• The metabolism in the brain and spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. (central nervous systemThe CNS (central nervous system) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls most functions of the body and behavior. (CNSCNS stands for the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls many functions of the body.)) decreases linearly with the drop in body temperature. The metabolism of the CNSCNS stands for the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls many functions of the body. is already significantly reduced at 35 °C. Clinically, the decrease is shown in increasing Confusion (delirium) and ultimately in a deep Unconsciousness (comaA coma is a deep state of unconsciousness where an individual cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli. In dogs and cats, it can be caused by severe illnesses, poisoning, or neurological problems.).
• Hypothermia also results in a decrease in the body’s oxygen supply due to biochemical changes in the blood.
• In case of moderate hypothermia (28–32 °C), shivering stops and the metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. rate decreases continuously. The body is no longer able to restore balance through its own heat production. This means that the active supply of heat is essential at this stage for recovery.

 

Clinically, this stage is recognizable by a pronounced Confusion, decreasing heart and breathing rate and Cardiac arrhythmiaAn arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats irregularly, either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can be harmless or a sign of serious heart problems., which would ultimately lead to Cardiac arrest without active heat supply.

When checking the success of rewarming, you can orient yourself very well on the improvement of the mental status (Confusion subsides).

In the hospital, warm (40–42 °C) intravenous infusions are helpful for heat supply and, above all, for compensating for dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse.. Laboratory findings enable further optimization of the internal environment. Priority must be given to combating hyperacidity, renal failure, muscle cell damage, a possible inflammation of the pancreasThe pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. It plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. associated with insulininsulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the entry of glucose into cells. insulin deficiency or impaired insulin action are key features of diabetes mellitus. deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones., as well as so-called comorbidities, i.e. diseases that already existed before the hypothermia.