Most German Shepherd owners are at least somewhat aware of the hazards that the scorching summer months can pose to their pet. It doesn’t take long for a car to heat up to unlivable temperatures, and dogs left outdoors without proper shade and water can easily succumb to heat exhaustion. What about the winter months, though?  We take precautions to make sure that our homes and vehicles are prepared for the winter time, not to mention ourselves. Are the winter months any safer for your pet?

  Depending on where you live, there are some places that have laws against having dogs outside during certain weather conditions. While common sense should prevail in most decisions as to whether or not it is humane to keep a dog outdoors during certain weather conditions, it can often be a difficult decision—especially for dogs that are not trained to be indoors.   Heavy Coats vs. Thin Coats 

Dogs come in different packages, and some dogs are a great deal more prepared for winter months than others. A Husky will obviously keep much warmer during the winter months than a Pit Bull, but both of them are at risk for hypothermia during the winter time. While some dogs are better outdoors during the winter than others, it is important to remember that dogs that have heavier coats are still made up of the same things underneath the coat as dogs that are not blessed with so much fur, and it is important to know when too much cold is just too much. Your German Shepherd should have a thick coat in winter but care still needs to be taken to not leave your dog outside when it is very cold.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy During the Winter

 To be on the safe side, never leave your dog unattended outside for long periods of time during the winter months. Low temperatures and high winds can be a lethal combination for dogs, as they can experience hypothermia just like people. All dogs must go out sometime, but exercise the same caution during the winter months that you would during the summer months. Don’t leave your dog tied up outside for long periods of time, and don’t leave them in the car for long periods of time, either—even if it is running. The carbon monoxide that is produced from the car running can be toxic to dogs if they are left unattended in the car for too long while it is running, so if you are going somewhere where you can’t take them in, leave them at home. It is always better to be safe than sorry.  What to Do In Case of Hypothermia  Sometimes, despite our best efforts things do happen. If you feel that your dog has become hypothermic do not waste any time warming him, and seek prompt medical attention. If you are not able to get to a vet for some reason or another, call them and they will instruct you on what to do. Hypothermia kills dogs every day; it doesn’t have to happen to your dog.