Cold Winter Safety Tips for Your Labrador Love!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!  To be a lab that is… Labradors LOVE the snow!  They will play, play, play all day long in this fluffy white stuff if you let them! With that thick undercoat–they are insulated unlike most dog breeds, for frigid weather, but there are still precations.

It can be TOO cold for your labby to be outside occasionally–and to prevent frost bite to exposed skin… and there are certain safety standards you should always follow in the wintertime.

1. Water supply
   Make sure your lab ALWAYS has access to drinking water while spending time outdoors ANY time of year.  And here’s a pretty (should be) obvious tip… if their drinking water has frozen while outside… they’ve been out TOO long!!
2. Shelter
   Again, standard for any time of year, make sure your dog has a standing shelter (such as a dog house) while outside–even if for a short “potty” or “run around the yard.”  DISCLAIMER: This does NOT mean having a doghouse outside is sufficient for EXTREME cold temperatures.  If it’s getting too far below freezing out, it’s time for Fido to hurry up and do his business and get back indoors where it’s toasty. 🙂
3. Be careful of ice!
   Watch for icy spots in your yard or the sidewalk while walking with your canine companion.  The pads of his/her feet can be very sensitive to that slick ice and get very sore. Not to mention the salts and chemicals used on roads and sidewalks can crack pads too.  It’s a good idea to make it a habit of wiping your pup’s feet off when you bring him/her indoors, as well as wiping off their underbelly and lower legs. This can also call hyper-extensions and ACL tears!!!
4. Get a vet check-up before the colder months
   It’s important to be conscious of your lab’s health, always, but especially at this time of year.  Cold temperatures can aggravate arthritis and other health issues in dogs. Add some Glucosomine/Joint support to your senior pet’s daily supplementation, and keep them in warm temperatures for their joints!
5. Be ready for warm cuddles after playtime outside!
   There’s nothing like cuddling up on a cold day with some cozy blankets and your labby love in a warm house… in front of a fire… with some hot chocolate… next to the Christmas tree… I could go on and on with this picture of pure heaven. 🙂 Ah…the panting may begin! LOL

So Happy Wintertime to all and Enjoy the Winter Wonderland!! 🙂