Havanese Puppy Winter Safety
18 points to a happy, safe, healthy puppy during the winter.Havanese Puppy Winter Safety
1. General rule: if it is too cold for you outside, it is too cold for your Havanese.
2. Young Havanese puppies and older Havanese adults should not be outside in the snow for an
extended period of time. They don’t have the extra fat, full coat, or metabolism to keep warm.
Just enough time to go to the bathroom is perfect for these age groups.
3. Since the Havanese breed is an indoor breed, your dog should only be spending very minimal
time outside in the winter time. If it is wet or snowy outside, he will be much happier, safer, and
healthier indoors snuggling with you.
4. If your Havanese is going out to get some exercise or play in the snow, always supervise them.
5. If it is very cold, you can wrap your Havanese in a comfy cute winter jacket. Be sure not to leave
him alone in his jacket, indoors or outdoors, just in case he tries to take it off and gets stuck.
6. Do not let the snow freeze onto your puppy’s paws. Winter booties are a great idea to keep your
Havanese puppy’s pads warm in the snow. Let him wear the booties in your house first and get
used to keeping them on before the winter season begins. After he gets used to wearing them,
he is all ready for winter!
7. Make sure his booties are not too tight. This can cause circulation problems and frostbite.
8. Be aware of the signs of hypothermia: shaking, weak pulse, shallow breathing, lethargy. Also be
aware of the main areas of frostbite: ears, nose, tail, scrotum, paws. Look for skin discoloration
beneath your Havanese puppy’s fur. Always take your Havanese immediately to your vet if you
suspect hypothermia or frostbite.
9. Be aware that antifreeze is poisonous to dogs and should not be ingested. The smallest amount
can be deadly. The smell and taste is appealing to animals so be extremely cautious. If your
puppy starts convulsing or acting tipsy immediately take him to your veterinarian. Purchase
some puppy safe antifreeze if possible.
10. I like to grow my Havanese adults fur out a little bit longer than the puppy cut to keep them
warmer (and more snuggly) for the winter.
11. After bathing your dog, be sure he is fully dry before allowing him to go outside. Some people
switch to dry shampoo for the winter.
12. Keep your Havanese dog on a leash when you go outside. This will help you keep track of him
and keep him away from any partially frozen ponds or puddles.
13. Do not allow your puppy’s fur to get wet. If his fur gets wet, bring him inside immediately.
14. If you take your Havanese outside to play or for a walk, limit it to a short time frame to avoid
hypothermia and frostbite.
15. You never know what is in the snow, so don’t let your puppy eat the snow!
16. When you return to your house after a walk, be sure to check your puppy’s paws for frozen ice
and remove it. Hopefully your puppy has booties though!
17. Salt and other ice melters can be irritating to your Havanese puppy’s skin. If you go outdoors
and you suspect your puppy was exposed to any kind of ice melter, you should wash your dog’s
paws and stomach when you return home, before he gets a chance to lick them.
18. If you have a power-outage in your home and need to leave, take your Havanese with you. Your
puppy cannot survive at home in extreme temperatures. He should be included in any
evacuation plan you have. Click here to check out my Emergency Prep Guide for your Havanese
puppy.
Although your Havanese should stay indoors as much as possible in the winter season, his coat is
actually very insulating and he can handle shorts trips outside for exercise. Many Havanese even enjoy
playing in the snow! If you decide to take your Havanese outside keep safety and time in mind. We sure
are enjoying fall over here and getting excited for the beautiful winter!
Love, Angie