Serving Brooklyn's Off-Leash Community

Winter Health Tips

By Jennifer Brauer

update: January, 2008 Winter is finally showing its teeth. Here are some canine related safety tips to explore further. Paws... Most dogs will benefit from the direct paw protection available at local pet supply shops. Paw wax liberally applied to the pads before heading out works pretty well for most outings. However booties will protect paws from ice melt as well as paw injury caused by crusted ice, or ice balls that collect in the hair between paw pads and toes. While there have been notable improvements over this past year in the case of booties, it’s advisable to ask your fellow dog owners which type stay put on a particular breed. Caution on the “balloon type” booties. One was seen disappearing down the gullet of a Lab last winter! Trimming the paw hairs between pad and toes helps prevent ice balls and abrasive crud from plaguing your dog’s feet. Signs that your dog has uncomfortable painful feet include: whining, lifting of paws, or frequently stopping on walks. In case of suspected frozen paws, gently wash out the feet with warm water as opposed to brushing which may injure frozen paw tissue. Conserve Body Heat... Cold weather dangers include chills and discomfort, hypothermia, and frostbite. In general the shorter the hair/fur the greater the protection your dog will need from the cold. Thin dogs; dogs with poor circulation, cardiovascular conditions, endocrine disorders; elderly dogs and puppies may not do well in extreme conditions. Dogs with diabetes may have impaired ability to cope with cold weather and may also have an impaired ability to feel pain, and thus not complain. For the overindulged hound, know that body fat offers some protection from the cold. When in doubt ask a fellow dog owner who has had winter experience with a similar breed/mix. Winter wear is commercially available from local shops while custom coats and pullovers can be found on-line. Garments that cover the chest and abdomen as well as the back, provide better protection for vital organs such as the heart and lungs, than do garments that primarily cover the back and sides. This is especially true if you have a dog who might tend to lie down on the cold ground or snow. When The Temperature Drops... Frequently check your dog during walk and play by slipping your hand into their garment to be sure they’re still warm beneath the sweater or coat. The temperature difference you feel on your dogs clothed areas verses unclothed areas will often be quite apparent. Feel the chest, abdomen, sides, and front of the neck. Feel the feet and especially the ears. As in humans, dog’s ear tips are susceptible to frostbite. Frequently feel the dog’s ears with your bare hands to be certain his ears are not to cold. A muff over the upper neck and lower head can insulate against the cold. You can make a head muff for your dog by cutting the top off a long acrylic human hat so that it becomes a long cylinder shape; simply pull it over the head. Muffs are also commercially available. If you do suspect frostbite, never rub the area. Consult your vet! Dogs uncomfortable with the cold may be in a hurry to get back inside, therefore may not fully relieve themselves and may have frequent accidents. If your doggie becomes chilled, get them inside immediately; handle gently and re-warm in dry bedding and blankets. Better yet snuggle up with your pal using your own body heat for comfort. Wearing contrasting colors against the snow will help ensure that your dog is seen by drivers who must deal with reduced visibility from weather conditions or windshields encumbered by condensation, mud or ice. In addition, a driver may see the person walking the dog but not see the dog; or not see all the dogs if more than one animal is being walked. Big No No! Never let your pooch out onto a frozen pond because there may be unfrozen areas. Falling through ice can be fatal to both dog and the owner who attempts a rescue. Electrified Sidewalk Plates/Manhole Covers... This just may be one of the most unrecognized and under-diagnosed problems facing the urban dog during the winter season. The salt applied to icy streets and sidewalks makes its way to the electrical infrastructure below the surface where it corrodes aging wires and generally enhances conductivity of stray voltage. Two years ago a dog named Barkus was electrocuted here in Park Slope on Third Street just above 4th Avenue. An unused, unsealed lamppost connection buried in the concrete leaked live voltage all the way up to the surface. Last winter, a little dog named Bob died in Tribecca while walking on an electrified sidewalk. But consider this: Unless a dog is shocked so severely that he yelps, can't move; shake violently or the human feels an electrical shock as well, most people will simply not recognize stray voltage when it happens. The reaction of a stoic well behaved dog who suddenly bolts or pulls may be dismissed, while the lesser trained dog who pulls all the time will be seen as behaving in character consistent with his disposition. Last February, Denali, a Spinone Italiano was on his way home from the park with his owner Bob and myself, when he encountered stray voltage on the street. While crossing 8th Avenue at 16th Street Denali leaped into the air seemingly for no reason, a behavior way out of character. Bob and I immediately suspected stray voltage. Although Denali didn’t yelp, I checked his paws for glass and electrical burns or other evidence of injury. There was nothing apparent. Bob called 311 when he got home. There was an immediate response from the Fire Dept as well as Con Edison. Con Ed expressed concern for the dog’s welfare and later confirmed the presence of stray voltage which had even electrified the metal areaway fence on the corner house! A light rain had left the street soaked, becoming a great conduct for stray electrical current originating near the intersection. Yet Annabell, a Great Dane who had been walking next to Denali was unaffected, having apparently just missed the voltage spot. Thankfully, Denali was no worse for wear. Look for the following warning signs: Your dog may suddenly bolt for no reason. They may appear frozen in a spot, shaking violently. They may have a streetlamp or spot on the sidewalk that they’re afraid of. These are all good indicators of trouble brewing. Stray electricity is invisible so give your dog the benefit of the doubt. If he seems to want to avoid a section of sidewalk or street, let him. If your dog collapses, DO NOT reach in to assist your dog for this may prove fatal to you as well. This is really serious business. Several years ago, a woman died trying to rescue her dogs from an electrified metal grating in the East Village. Reconsider letting you dog urinate on lampposts. The traditional fire hydrant is a lot safer. Take a look at the street lamps in your area. Are there loose wires visible? Are all of the panels in place or is there obvious need of repair? Rubber soled dog shoes or boots probably offer substantial protection. Above all, exercise GREAT caution should you suspect electric shock. If you come across a suspicious area and live in New York, it’s best to call the city’s outstanding 311 service. Boston took proactive steps by putting plastics plates on many of its manhole covers. Maybe this is something we can lobby for. Finally: Don’t Eat Yellow Snow; Green Snow; Blue Snow… Yellow snow is bad enough but green/blue snow represents icy puddles of antifreeze. Antifreeze poisoning is a true medical emergency that kills far more pets than electrocution. Antifreeze is sweet tasting, and occasionally gets spilled or leaked in the street and may be swallowed by dogs sneaking a puddle to relieve thirst or just licking their paws after walking through it. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning contact a veterinarian immediately! In Summary… While you often get conflicting advice from you fellow dog owners, there’s a world of experience out there in Prospect Park! Jennifer Brauer