By Erik Christian Olstad, Assistant Professor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine in the Health Sciences department at the University of California, Davis.

Spending time outdoors with your dog during the spring, summer, and fall can be delightful. Whether it's visiting your favorite downtown café on a crisp spring morning, enjoying an evening at a beloved dog park on a clear summer night, or taking walks by the river as the leaves change color—these moments are all wonderful when the weather cooperates. However, in many parts of the country, winter brings with it cold and hazardous conditions that can make outdoor activities unsafe for both humans and their furry friends.

Winter presents some distinctive hurdles for dog owners, as dogs still require exercise and social interaction even in colder months. Research indicates that dog owners are nearly 50% less likely to take their dogs for walks in chilly weather. Understanding the fundamentals of winter safety is essential for ensuring your dog stays healthy and active.

I am an assistant professor at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. In the beginning of my career, I endured polar vortexes in Michigan alongside my dog. Although I now reside in the sunny state of California, I have witnessed firsthand how rapidly freezing temperatures can pose serious threats to pets.

Different dogs have varying capacities to withstand cold temperatures. For instance, a Chihuahua with its thin coat is far more vulnerable to chilly conditions compared to a husky with its dense fur. When temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), a well-adjusted husky might remain at ease, while a Chihuahua would start shivering and could potentially face the risk of hypothermia.

Additionally, if your dog is accustomed to warm climates and you relocate to a colder area, it'll take some time for your dog to get used to the chillier weather, even if they have a dense coat.

Age also plays a role in how well dogs handle cold weather. Puppies and senior dogs are less capable of enduring the cold compared to other dogs. However, it's important to remember that every dog is different — varying health conditions and physical traits can influence how resilient they are to the cold.

Dog owners need to recognize when their pets are feeling too chilly. Signs to watch for include shivering, and some dogs might also vocalize or whine in discomfort. Dogs could hesitate to place their paws on the cold ground, or they might burrow or seek out warm spots in their surroundings to get cozy.

Dogs, much like humans, are also susceptible to frostbite. Unfortunately, the symptoms may not be immediately noticeable and can emerge several days later, making it challenging to identify right away. The ears and the tips of their tails are the areas most commonly affected by frostbite in dogs. Early indicators include changes in skin color—such as becoming paler, or turning purple, gray, or even black—red and blistered skin, swelling, pain at the affected area, or the development of ulcers.

Other significant symptoms of hypothermia are sluggishness or lethargy; if you notice these, contact your veterinarian right away. A helpful guideline to follow is: if you're feeling cold, your dog is likely feeling cold too.

Outfitting your dog with a sweater or jacket along with paw covers can help shield them from harsh weather and keep them cozy. Vets also advise carefully watching over your dog and cutting down their outdoor time when the temperature hovers around or dips below freezing.

Road salt used to melt ice on roads and walkways can be harmful to dogs. When dogs stroll over the salt, the abrasive, jagged edges of the salt crystals can cause irritation to the delicate skin on their paws.

Dogs commonly lick their paws if they are dirty, wet, or irritated. When doing so, if they consume any salt, it could lead to gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, kidney failure, seizures, or even death. Even minimal quantities of pure salt can interfere with essential bodily functions in dogs.

Some businesses produce salt that is safe for pets, but it's often difficult to know what kind of salt is used in public areas. After taking your dog for a walk, make sure to clean their feet or boots. Additionally, keeping the fur on their paws trimmed can prevent snow and salt from accumulating. To further protect your pet’s paws from irritation, you can apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or use paw pad balm on their paw pads.

Antifreeze, also known as ethylene glycol, is commonly found in vehicles to stop fluids from freezing during cold weather. A few individuals even add antifreeze to their toilets when they are away to ensure the water doesn't freeze up.

Antifreeze poses a serious threat to dogs and cats because of its sweet taste, making it appealing but potentially lethal if swallowed. Even a tiny amount can trigger a chemical reaction in their bodies, leading to significant kidney damage. Without timely treatment, the pet could suffer irreversible kidney damage or even die.

There are now safer antifreeze alternatives available that avoid using ethylene glycol. If your dog consumes antifreeze, it's crucial to visit your veterinarian right away for treatment.

When it gets freezing outside, one of the most crucial steps pet owners can take is to limit their pets' outdoor time. Instead, you can focus on various indoor activities such as playing hide-and-seek with low-calorie treats, engaging in a game of fetch, or setting up an interactive obstacle course. Additionally, food puzzles are a great way to keep your dog's mind active while indoors.

While winter does come with its own set of challenges, it can also be a delightful and healthy season for both you and your dog.

This article originates from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news outlet that aims to provide you with the necessary context to grasp current global events. Learn more about our mission or sign up for our weekly highlights.

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Erik Christian Olstad is not employed by, consulting for, holding shares in, or receiving financial support from any business or organization that might gain from this article, and he has not revealed any connections other than his academic role.