Hoosier seasons and state parks: caring for a large dog outdoors

Purdue's veterinary college advises wiping a dog's paws after outings to remove salt or deicer, which can harm the kidneys, and limiting time outdoors to prevent frostbite on ears, legs and tail. It says outdoor pets should come inside below 20 F, and puppies and short-haired pets whenever it drops below 40 F. A dog that must stay out needs shelter with three enclosed sides, raised off the ground with plenty of bedding. Keep dogs leashed near ponds because of thin ice, and never leave one alone in a vehicle. The details are in the Purdue winter tips.

The National Weather Service describes the heat index as how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the air temperature, and notes that full sun can add up to 15 degrees to the value (NWS heat index). For dogs, a Purdue clinician advises exercising in the morning or at night, offering cool but not cold water, testing pavement with your hand because paw pads can blister, and never trusting a parked car even with the windows down (Purdue heat tips). Short-nosed, overweight and elderly dogs struggle most.

Indiana DNR publishes one set of pet rules for its properties. The main points:

The last line matters for anyone planning weekend trips with a protection dog: pick a dog that is calm and controllable around strangers, because the park system asks owners of dominant dogs to stay away. A short list of reservoirs, including Monroe and Salamonie, allows dogs off leash only while lawfully pursuing wild animals, under a field trial license or in a designated training area.