
5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Dachshund in Cold Weather
Dachshunds aren’t fans of cold or wet weather – something every doxie parent knows all too well. Winter can be quite the challenging time for both you and your little long dog, but with the right prep, you can make the chilly season a little more tolerable.
Here are some simple ways to protect your Dachshund in the cold weather.
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Table Of Contents
Winter Hazards for your Dachshund
Hypothermia:
When it’s really cold outside, your Dachshund’s body can lose heat faster than it can generate it. This can lead to hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature caused by extended time in the cold.
Look out for symptoms of hypothermia like strong shivering, extreme sleepiness, weakness, cold fur, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, pale or blue gums, and trouble breathing.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to warm up your pup and get them to the vet quickly.
Frostbite:
Your doxie’s sweet paws, legs, and ears are the most at risk for frostbite when the tissue under the skin freezes. Frostbite isn’t always obvious, so keeping your dog protected from the frigid weather is key to avoiding a painful injury.
Ice Melt / Sidewalk Chemicals:
Be cautious about rock salt and ice melt on sidewalks and driveways during your winter walkies. These chemicals can cause cracks, dryness, or even painful burns on your pup’s sensitive paws.
Plus, if your Dachshund licks their paws after walking on the ice melt chemicals, they could end up with mouth sores or major tummy troubles. If they swallow any of it, it’s toxic and will require a trip to the vet.
Is It Safe to Walk Dogs in the Snow?
It is OK to play outside and walk your Dachshund in the ‘shallow snow’, as long as they are wrapped up in a warm, water-proof dog coat and aren’t out in the snow for too long.
Ways To Protect Your Dachshund in Cold Weather
Dachshund Coats
Whether your Dachshund is a short-hair, long-hair, or wirehair, their fur is pretty thin, so they do get cold easily.
As your Dachshund ages, it becomes even harder to regulate their body temperature.
To help keep your Dachshund warm this winter, I recommend getting a couple of coats or sweaters to keep them warm and dry when going outside for walks and potty time.
Best Winter Coat for Dachshunds
The DJANGO Puffer Coat is a great choice for keeping your Dachshund warm during winter. Both of my minis, Gretta and Eko absolutely love theirs! (pictured below)
This coat is weather-resistant and extra thick, perfect for chilly days.
If you’re interested in exploring more great dachshund coat options, take a look at our post: Top 10 Best Dachshund Coats.
The Django Brand link is an affiliate link and I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no cost to you.
Wipe Them Off
After your chilly walks outside, gently wipe off your long dog’s paws, belly, and legs with a warm damp cloth or dog grooming wipes. This helps to prevent irritation from any salt or ice melt chemicals on the sidewalks.
Also remove any ice balls stuck between their toes or fur.
Dog Booties
If you don’t have the time to wash and wipe off your doxie’s feet every time they go outside, consider some dog booties.
Winter Dog Boots help protect your pup’s paws from ice melt, salt, and snow. They even keep your dog’s paws nice and toasty while outside.
Paw Protection
If your Dachshund can’t tolerate a dog paw bootie, try some paw balm instead. I use PawTection Dog Paw Balm on both of my Dachshunds. They don’t mind it when I apply the balm to their paw pads right before their daily walk.
Paw Balm (or wax) protects your doxie’s paws from toxic salt and ice melt used on the sidewalks during the winter season. It contains vitamin E to help keep your pup’s paws moisturized and even helps heal paw pad wounds.
Limit Outside Time
Dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia when cold weather temperatures go below 40°F. When you take your doxie for their walk, make sure to always dress them in a warm winter coat, protect their paws, and keep your walks brief when it’s bitter outside. 10-15 minutes max.
If it’s Too Cold Outside, Stay Home!
Dachshunds need to stay active all year round, even when the weather isn’t ideal. On those chilly or rainy days, keeping your little long dog physically and mentally stimulated indoors is essential.
Here are some really fun indoor games and doggie IQ puzzles that will keep your doxie entertained, engaged, and moving while staying warm and cozy at indoors.
Post You Will Love: 5 SIMPLE Ways to Keep Your Dachshund Busy
Bonus Tips
- Keep your home humidified. Dry heat can cause dry, itchy skin on your doxie.
- Avoid giving your Dachshund a bath in the winter. Bathing too often can strip away their natural oils, causing itchy, dry skin and paws.
Post You Should Read: 7 Simple Tricks to Prevent Dachshund Skin Issues
My dachshund( 22 lbs Standard smooth coat) likes to play in the snow ( and in the rain too). He wants to take long walks in the winter. He wears a waterproof puffer jacket and a sweater while going out. Should I forcefully take him back home after 15-20 minutes.
Hi there! It’s wonderful that your dachshund enjoys playing outside, even in the snow and rain. A waterproof puffer jacket and sweater are great choices to keep him warm and protected. On very cold days, I personally recommend limiting walks to 15-20 minutes to help prevent issues like cracked paws or frostbite. However, if the weather isn’t too freezing, feel free to let him play and enjoy himself. For longer playtimes outside, applying ‘paw balm’ to his paws can help protect them from dryness and cracking.