Winter Tips for Working Dogs

Here are some winter tips to keep your working dog in top shape during the colder season:

Keep Your Dog Warm

While many working dogs are tough, exposure to cold temperatures for prolonged periods can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.

Make sure your dog has appropriate protection for the weather.

• Layer Up: If your dog hasn’t got a naturally insulating coat, consider providing them with a dog coat/jumper made of insulating materials like fleece or wool to provide extra warmth. This is especially important during breaks or periods of inactivity.
• Paw Protection: Cold weather can freeze paws, leading to cracks or damage to sensitive pads. Always clean and dry their pads after being outside.
• Work in Shorter Bursts: When working outside, take frequent breaks in a warm shelter or vehicle to help your dog warm up. If the work can be done in shorter segments, this will help avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

Hydration is Key

While your dog may not be as thirsty in winter as in summer, it’s important to remember that dehydration can still occur, especially if they’re working hard.

Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.

• Prevent Frozen Water Bowls: If you're working outside for long hours, consider using insulated water bowls to keep the water from freezing.
• Watch for Ice Chewing: Some dogs may chew on ice when it’s available, which can be harmful to their teeth or digestive system. Avoid this behaviour by offering clean, fresh water in an accessible bowl.

Monitor Their Activity Level

While dogs are typically capable of handling colder temperatures, working dogs may be less aware of how much energy they’re expending in freezing conditions. Overexertion in extreme cold can lead to exhaustion, frostbite, or injuries.

• Adjust Work Intensity: Be mindful of your dog’s energy levels and reduce the intensity or duration of tasks if they seem fatigued. Remember, working dogs burn more energy in colder weather due to their bodies trying to stay warm.
• Muscle Stiffness: Cold weather can lead to muscle stiffness and strain. Make sure to stretch and warm up your dog before rigorous tasks. Light, short walks before heavy work can help loosen muscles.

Check Their Paws Regularly

The salt used to melt ice on roads and pavements can be harmful to a dog’s paws and digestive system if licked off. Ice buildup between their pads can also cause pain and discomfort.

After working outdoors, check your dog’s paws for:

• Ice Buildup: Ice can become lodged in the spaces between your dog’s pads. To prevent this, wipe down their paws with a towel after every outdoor task.
• Salt Exposure: Salt can cause irritation or burns to the pads. Make sure to wipe off any salt after working in areas treated with de-icing chemicals. In severe cases, you can use a paw wax or balm on your dog's paws to create a protective barrier.

Grooming in Winter

While it may seem unnecessary to groom your dog during the colder months, keeping their coat in good condition is essential for insulating their bodies from the cold.

• Trim Excess Fur: If your dog has long, thick fur, it’s important to trim around the paws and ears to prevent ice buildup. However, avoid trimming too much of the body fur, as this can compromise their ability to stay warm.
• Drying Them Off: After working in wet or snowy conditions, thoroughly dry your dog’s coat to prevent them from getting too chilled. Wet fur can cause body temperature to drop rapidly in cold weather.

Watch for Signs of Cold Stress

Dogs working in extreme winter conditions may be at risk of cold stress.

It's essential to recognize the early signs so you can act quickly.

• Shivering: While shivering is a natural response to cold, persistent shivering can be a sign that your dog is too cold and at risk of hypothermia.
• Lethargy or Slowing Down: If your dog is moving sluggishly or showing signs of exhaustion, it may be an indication that they’re not coping well with the cold.
• Frostbite: Pay special attention to extremities such as ears, tail, and paws, which are more susceptible to frostbite. If the skin becomes pale, hard, or discoloured, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Hypothermia

This is especially relevant if your dog lives in kennels or works/exercises outdoors for extended periods of time.

Hypothermia occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to the cold.

Signs of hypothermia are as follows;

1. To start, the dog will shiver, and their ears and feet will start to grow cold.
2. As hypothermia progresses, they may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness.
3. As the condition worsens, muscles will stiffen, heart and breathing rates slow down, and they will not respond to stimuli.

Severe hypothermia is life threatening. Always contact your vet if you think your dog may be suffering from hypothermia

To help prevent hypothermia;

1. Ensure kennelled dogs are free from draughts and the elements and have plenty of warm bedding, ideally raised off the ground. Consider fitting a safe form of heat.
2. Be mindful of your dog’s coat type/length vs outdoor temperatures. They may need additional layers to keep them warm, even when exercising/working.
3. Don’t stand around outside too long, especially after your dog has been exercising/working.

Proper Nutrition

Working dogs expend a lot of energy, especially in challenging winter conditions. Make sure to provide the right nutrition to keep them fuelled and healthy.

• Higher Calorie Intake: In colder weather, working dogs need more energy to stay warm. You may need to consider feeding a recipe that is higher in calories such as Chudleys Working Crunch or Chudleys Grain Free.
• Check Weight Regularly: Winter work can be taxing, so regularly monitor your dog’s weight and overall condition. Adjust their diet as needed to maintain healthy body weight and energy levels.

• If your dog’s activity level decreases over the winter months, consider moving to a less calorie dense recipe.

Chudleys provides different recipes to cater for the above.

Please contact us if you require further information.

Dark nights

As the evenings are darker earlier, it’s a good idea to help make you and your dog more visible. L.E.D lights and collars will help yourself and others see them at a distance, especially in the countryside where there is no artificial lighting.

Make sure that your dog’s microchip details are up to date and that they’re wearing identification tags in case they get lost after dark.

Know When to Call It a Day

It’s important to listen to your dog and know when they’ve had enough. If your dog starts showing signs of fatigue, discomfort, or reluctance to work, it's time to wrap up the task.

Prolonged exposure to the cold, especially in working dogs, can have lasting negative effects on their health.