How to Care for a Puppy When it Snows

Puppies are one of the most exciting Christmas gifts; they are soft, happy, warm and have lots of energy. Then we realize that it is freezing outside and we have to take them outside to do their business. We need to realize that puppies are babies and it is just as cold outside for them as it is for us. When it snows outside we should remain aware of the needs of our puppies.

Things You'll Need

  • Paw booties
  • Dog sweater
  • Towels
  • Heater
  • Snow shovel
  • Kennel
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare when it begins to snow by getting out your snow shovel, and plotting out where you are going to shovel for you and your puppy to go outside. Also purchase paw booties for your puppy to put on, along with a puppy sweater or coat for extra warmth in the cold weather.

    • 2

      Keep up with your planned walking area as the snow comes down, and keep it shoveled. Every time you shovel and clear the area, take your dressed puppy out in that area to see if they have to go to the bathroom. For a young puppy of about six weeks of age, you should take him out every hour. Older puppies may be taken out every couple of hours.

    • 3

      Undress your puppy when you come in, and then thoroughly towel off your puppy. Snow will soak up any chemicals from the ground, and if there is snow salt put down, you do not want your puppy to ingest any of these chemicals. The chemicals can also burn his paws, nose, eyes and skin.

    • 4

      Place your puppy near a heater to warm up. If your puppy did not go to the bathroom when you took him outside, place him in an indoor kennel next to the heater. This way he will not mess inside your house, and will realize he needs to go outside. Sometimes the original shock of snow, cold and extra clothing on the puppies can distract them from wanting them to go to the bathroom outside.

    • 5

      Keep water readily available to your puppy. Cold can dehydrate your puppy just as easily as the summer heat.