Top 7 Misconceptions & Myths About Dogs and Winter
Long Boots! Fur Coats! Leather Jackets! Waterproof Gloves! Woolen Socks! And the Cashmere Scarves! If you have started wearing one or more of these things these days, winter has arrived in your city/country and you are prepared to face it. But wait, have you prepared your dogs’ gear to face the extreme winter, especially, the snowfall and chilling winds?
Well, here the question arises do dogs really need to be packed and pampered in winter just like humans?
Yes, they do need to be protected from extreme cold weather. Also, there have been lots of misconceptions and myths circulating about dogs and winter that should be taken care of.
So, here are some of the greatest myths and misconceptions associated with dogs and winters. Let’s find them below.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Misconceptions and Myths About Dogs and Winter
Let’s start with the first one that is the most important for your dog’s life. And yes, once you read these myths, don’t forget to share them with your dog-parent friends.
You Can Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car Because it’s not Hot Outside
Well, what if it is too cold outside? Apart from the cold weather, it may be risky for your dog if you decide to leave your dog unattended in your car for a long time.
Also, you shouldn’t leave your dog in the car with the motor running and heater on, as it may generate Carbon Monoxide that is highly toxic for dogs. The best and wise practice is to leave your dog in cars along with an attendant.
Exercising Your Dog is Not Necessary
Exercise is a must. Missing your dog’s daily exercise can lead to several serious behavioral problems such as excessive barking, tail chasing, destructive chewing, or separation anxiety. So, if the weather is too cold and there is lots of snow outside, you should exercise your puppy indoors. You can also play your dog’s favorite indoor games such as tug-of-war, indoor fetch, and other interactive games.
Fur Protects Dogs from Cold
Yes, it is true but for certain breeds such as a Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, or the Japanese royal breed; Akita. But one thing, whatever breed it is, your dog can still suffer from Hypothermia or Frostbite.
So, this fact should not be ignored and you should get dog boots, jackets, or coats for your dogs.
Snow Kills Fleas and Ticks so Your Dog Won’t Get Them in Winter
Well, fleas and ticks try to seek shelter in warm places in winter, most likely in your house. That means, there is an increased chance that your furbaby may get fleas and ticks at any time of the year regardless of the weather. So, you should go for routine checkups or get ready for an itchy dog that is harmful to them.
Dogs Can Eat Snow and its Safe for Them
No, they shouldn’t eat snow because it isn’t safe for them. You must have an idea that the snow blanket hides everything such as garbage and animal waste, and most likely, chemicals too. Do we need to explain the dangers of eating garbage, animal waste, and chemicals? So, there is a big NO.
Dog’s Poop Vanishes in Snow
If you think that the dog’s poop melts away with the snow then you are wrong. It will stay there until the snow melts down because the biodegradation process slows down in the cold. So, always pick up your pup’s poop or other dogs may eat it while eating snow and gets ill.
Dogs Can Get Rid of Snow From Their Fur on Their Own
After a walk and playful activities in the snow, the dogs are usually covered in heavy or light flakes of snow. It may look harmless but it isn’t. Sometimes, when even you towel off this snow, little flakes of snow get stuck in their fur and your dog tries to lick it out which is not a good practice.
Firstly, the snow may have chemicals and salts that are harmful to the dogs. Secondly, excessive licking can damage the dog’s fur and skin. So, you are recommended to spend some extra time cleaning out your dog’s fur.
Wrapping up:
So, these were the 7 top misconceptions and myths about dogs and winter. Take good care of your dog this winter season and don’t forget to provide shelter to stray or abandoned dogs which may suffer a lot out in the snow if not taken care of.
Do you know any other myth/tip? Share it with us.
