Tips for Helping Senior & Older Dogs in Winter & Snow

Chances are, you've had plenty of time to learn all about your dog. You've gotten to know their quirks, their likes and dislikes and their unique behaviors and facial expressions. But now your dog has aged, and it's time to relearn their needs as a senior. For pet parents who experience cold winters, that means helping older dogs in snow.

As temperatures drop and days shorten, new challenges arise for aging dogs. Senior dogs in winter face challenges ranging from slippery steps and floors to frigid temperatures, arthritis and joint problems, paw damage from salt and more. As a pet parent, you play a major role in keeping your dog comfortable, safe and healthy in the winter months. Let's explore a few ways to start helping older dogs in snow and ensuring their overall comfort in colder temperatures.

Limit Their Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Just like people, dogs have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures as they age. In the winter, senior dogs are at an increased risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-weather illnesses. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it's best to keep most dog breeds inside in extremely cold conditions. Consider turning to exercise alternatives to keep your dog stimulated and active. Playing fetch down a long hallway, hiding favorite treats or toys for your dog to seek out and even brushing up on training (yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!) are all great ways to keep your senior pup's mind and body working.

In situations where staying inside is not possible, helping older dogs in snow requires extreme caution. Consider such measures as dressing your dog in a warm outer layer, like a jacket or winter coat. If you can train your dog to get comfortable wearing booties on their feet in colder months, do so. While outside, avoid walking your dog over risky areas such as black ice, thin ice and metal manhole covers. And keep your eyes peeled for the telltale signs of hypothermia: intense shivering, lethargy and frostbite. Check for frostbite by looking for bluish or white coloring on affected areas of skin. Earflaps and the tips of your dog's tail are especially vulnerable to frostbite, so when you're helping older dogs in snow, pay special attention to these areas.

Adapt Your Home for the Season

According to the AKC, "As our dogs age and their bodies change, they become more sensitive to outside conditions. Senior dogs, regardless of breed, are more susceptible to hot and cold weather." Try putting a coat on your dog when you walk them on colder days and adding a blanket to their bed during the nighttime to make sure your furry friend stays safe and warm.

Consider adapting your home for the winter months to ensure your dog has everything they need to navigate through the home safely, get warm fast and feel comfortable and content. One way to do this is to lay down carpets, large rugs or non-slip mats on ordinarily slippery floors. Be sure to include floors by the entryways of your home where you may track snow. This ensures that your dog always has a stable surface to walk on. Block off any stairs with a gate to ensure that your dog can't trip down (or up) them when they're unattended.

Additionally, create a space near a heater or fireplace to lay a special bed where your dog can spend some time during the day. Consider an orthopedic dog bed to help reduce the impact on your pet's bones and muscles. If you think your pet could benefit from one, purchase a waterproof cover in case your dog has an accident.