Winter is here and with every longer night, there's an even colder day. Unfortunately, most of our dogs aren’t deterred by the weather, and still expect to be thoroughly exercised and entertained. Luckily, there are a few ways you can make winter an easier time for both you and your dog.
The first step is to wrap up warm, and that includes your dog! Although some breeds will be comfortable in freezing temperatures, many dogs aren’t suited to the icy weather, and a warm coat will go a long way to keeping them comfortable during winter walks. Short-haired dogs are more likely to be susceptible to the cold, and if they’re caught in the rain, their ability to keep themselves warm drops dramatically.
Once back from your walk, you want to spend extra time checking between their toes. Snow, salt and grit are all at risk of getting stuck between their toes, which can lead to pain and discomfort for your dog. After giving them a thorough once over, make sure to dry them off and give them a warm place to relax, free from drafts.
Some dogs will choose to be less active indoors, (not mine) so you want them to be entertained in different ways. Puzzle games, lickymats and chew toys are all great options, and allow dogs to work for their food, which they love to do. If you’ve noticed they’re getting less physical activity, then adjust their food intake accordingly so they don’t gain weight throughout the winter months. A light-up collar is also a good way to make sure you don’t lose your dog on dark evening walks.
And lastly, when on a winter walk with your dog you will want to avoid frozen lakes or ponds. It’s rarely possible to tell how secure the surface is, and most dogs will be unable to survive falling into a frozen lake.
We hope these tips help you enjoy winter with your pup and keep them entertained and safe until spring comes and walks are enjoyable once again!