The Easter rules for dogs
The Easter holidays are approaching for both two-legged and four-legged friends. Here you will find our best tips on how you can ensure that your dog also enjoys a nice Easter week.
Table of contents
Be smart about your hair
Fur and snow can easily become an unpleasant and painful combination for the dog. Snowballs tend to settle in the paws, groin, armpit and in the tabs. These pile up, can create wounds and frostbite, and cool the dog down significantly. A good hair tie can do a lot to reduce snowball formation. Trim the fur under and around the paws and between the toes. It will also help a lot if you shorten the long tabs, as well as long fur in the armpits, stomach and groin. Here you can read more about what you should do if the dog needs anesthesia during claw trimming.
Dress seasonally
Some dogs do fine without clothes as long as they are active and the weather is not bad. However, if your dog has very little or thin fur, it can easily freeze – and then it is good to put on a blanket or sweater. Dogs with long and/or a lot of fur can get into trouble in the snow if snowballs form in their fur. The best solution for dogs with such fur is a full-coverage condom suit. Yes, it may look a little corny, but both you and your dog will be much happier when you get home and you just have to take the suit off instead of having to go to the shower or sit for ages to pick snowballs off.
Here you can read our tips on how to take care of your dog in the cold.
If you don't have such a stylish condom suit and the dog comes back from a trip like a single big snowball, there is still advice. The most effective way is to shower the dog with lukewarm water and dry it well afterwards. The alternative is to break up the snowballs one by one with your hands and comb carefully. It is NOT good to just "let the dog lie down to dry" or to forcefully comb out the snowballs if it is full of snow.
Remember the footwear
Paw socks are invaluable in the snow. Not only do they prevent snowballs from forming, but they also protect the paws from sharp and hard Easter snow. They don't have to be very sophisticated – most people will do just fine with a simple cotton sock that is fastened around the foot with elastic Velcro. Don't be afraid to tighten it really tight, as long as the dog is moving it will take a lot to stop the blood supply to the paws. Even if you fasten the paw socks well, you can expect some shrinkage during a winter season.
Paw socks are consumable items, and it's always a good idea to have an extra pair in case you lose one on a walk or it gets damaged. Don't skimp on the size – Size Matters. They should be large enough so that the paw has room to expand naturally during movement and that the claws don't press against the front of the foot.
Accessorize
Accessories are always important! For dogs, this primarily concerns harnesses/collars and leashes. Even if it is outside of the normal leash hours (April 1–August 20), it is not okay to have loose dogs on the ski slopes. Not only will you get everyone's evil eye directed at you, but you also risk someone getting hurt. Not everyone is as fond of dogs as you are – some are even very afraid – and even those who like dogs will be unhappy at best if an unknown dog comes running towards them.
No matter how nice your dog is, save yourself, your dog, and all other people from these bad experiences and keep it on a leash on the ski slopes.
Essentials
In addition to a Seigmann or two for you against acute bad moods (i.e. hangry), a first aid kit is essential. On a trip, a regular human first aid kit will suffice, but you should also include a paw sock and adhesive bandage. At home or at the cabin, it is a good idea to have a rectal thermometer, medical honey ointment, some more bandage material, paw ointment and a collar.
Don't forget the skin care and pedicure
Your dog rarely needs daily cleansing and moisturizing, but there are some things you should be extra aware of during the winter season. The most common skin-related problems in winter are frostbite, sore paws, cuts, and claw injuries.
Frostbite often occurs where the skin is thin and blood flow is easily reduced – such as on the tip of the tail, nose, ears, scrotum and paws. The first symptoms of frostbite are pale, hard and cold skin that can further develop into red, dark and swollen. It is important not to rub the frostbite as this will worsen the injury. Frostbite can be serious and is always painful and requires treatment. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has frostbite.
Paws are easily hurt by sharp snow and perhaps increased wear and tear. Lubricate the paws with a good paw ointment and wear paw socks when the dog is outside.
Sometimes the claw capsule that protects the claw bone breaks. This is often very painful and poses a risk of infection. If the claw capsule is loose, the dog is limping or licking the claw, it needs veterinary treatment. Put on a paw sock and possibly a collar until you get to the vet to reduce the risk of infection. Short claws are less likely to be injured than long ones.
Cut injuries
Cuts can range from small superficial cuts from sharp snow and pebbles to serious injuries. Small superficial cuts that do not heal are treated with cleanser, honey ointment and a paw sock. If the wound is deep and heals, it will usually need to be stitched.
Unfortunately, we also see many cases of very extensive and serious cuts during the winter – and especially during Easter. This is because owners who are keen to ski have taken their dogs on a ski trip, and then the dog has accidentally been run over by the owners – or rather by the owners’ steel-edged skis. The cuts seen in these cases are often very serious. It is not uncommon for the steel edge to have cut not only the skin, but also the underlying tendons and muscles. Treatment of such injuries is often demanding, expensive and has a long recovery time.
If you take your dog on a ski trip, you MUST have skis without steel edges.
In addition to "regular" mountain skis, most manufacturers of mountain skis also carry skis without steel edges.
Stick to the diet
Or, of course, you can indulge in as much chocolate, sausages and oranges as you want – but don't let your dog partake in these excesses. The safest thing is to continue to feed your dog his regular food, as there are several types of human food that are harmful to dogs. For example, chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins are all toxic to dogs. Sausages and similar Easter foods often have high salt and fat levels. The salt can lead to salt poisoning, and too much fat can cause serious inflammation of the pancreas. Sausages are not toxic in themselves, and a piece of sausage every now and then will not be harmful to otherwise healthy dogs. But give in moderation!
Another big NO-NO is heat-treated bones – for example, the leftovers from the leg of lamb you eat on Easter Sunday. Heat-treated bones splinter when your dog chews on them, and will at best cause gastritis and vomiting or at worst perforate the intestines and stomach – which is an acute and life-threatening condition.
So to summarize: NEVER give chocolate, raisins, grapes or cooked bones – and SHOW WAY with sausages and clean meat. Oranges, on the other hand, you can give as much as you (and your dog) want.
Call a friend (veterinarian)
FaceTime and other video calls are still in vogue and can be very useful if there is something you are wondering about your dog. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn't, has a wound you're not sure about or isn't fit, you can book a video consultation with a vet.
Several insurance companies include such a video consultation in their dog insurance. There is a limit to what a veterinarian can do over video, but they can guide you on things you can do yourself as an owner to treat your dog – whether you can wait to see a veterinarian until after the Easter holidays or whether you need to seek emergency veterinary care.
If you are unsure about something, it is better to call once too many than too few!
You can book an appointment with A-Vet here.
Summary
- Trim fur on paws and tails
- Dress the dog with paw socks, a blanket and a suit if necessary.
- Keep your dog on a leash on the ski slope
- Bring a first aid kit
- Treat wounds and only use skis without steel edges
- Don't give human food to your dog
- Call your vet if in doubt.
