Dogs are a common pet in Truckee, and it’s important to consider how they might interact with the climate. Some breeds are not built for the harsh cold and dryness of the Tahoe area, but owners can make up for this in many ways.
Some of the most suitable breeds for the Truckee area are large in size, to ward off the predators of the forest such as coyotes, mountain lions, and even bears. Large size also makes it easier for dogs to navigate the snowy landscape and the weight helps store heat.
Fluffy, thick fur is another helpful trait for a Truckee dog, as it protects them from the cold, and thin fur can gather clumps of snow that stick to the fur.
Some breeds that can fit these conditions are Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Bernese mountain dogs. “The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest and largest of the Arctic sled dogs,” according to the American Kennel Club. Breeds like these are bred for the chilly weather of the mountains.
Despite not being the most suitable for Tahoe’s climate, there are many more popular dog breeds that you can find roaming Truckee. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Pitbulls, Bulldogs, Australian shepherds, and mixed breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the California and Tahoe area.
Although it may seem a bad idea to have these dogs in an incompatible environment, this isn’t true. There are many ways to protect dogs from cold, snow, and dryness.
Jackets are a popular way to prevent dogs’ temperatures from dropping in the winter.
Another helpful piece of clothing is boots; not only can these protect paws from cold or frostbite, they also protect them from irritating chemicals found on roads.
According to the American Red Cross, “Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws.” Another way to prevent this is by wiping your dogs’ feet after they come indoors.
Never leave dogs outside unattended during the winter; they can become cold, disoriented, and lose their sense of smell during winter storms. This can cause them to get lost or develop hypothermia.
On that note, it is also important to be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia. Slowness, whining, shivering, or weakness in dogs can be indicators.
Always make sure to wipe off your dogs’ coat when you come inside; leaving their fur wet can cause them to become colder. Make sure to break any clumps of snow from their fur. These can gather on their belly, tail, cheeks, and between their toes. If they grow too big between the toes, they can even break them.
You can also trim their fur to prevent this, but never shave your dog in the winter.
If you do these things, you can ensure that your dog has a fun and safe time in the winter no matter what climate they are built for!