Winter dog-walking tips

Winter’s chill is in the air, and just like us, our four-legged companions can feel it too. While it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with our furballs and enjoy the snowy weather, walking and other forms of exercise can become dicey and unpleasant.

But no matter what the season, our furry kids need their daily “dose” of exercise and entertainment.

Here are some simple winter dog-walking tips to make your daily treks safer and more enjoyable.

Winter dog-walking tips: Dress your dog in warm clothes

Dogs with short, thin, or fine coats, and small breeds like corgis and dachshunds, can get cold quickly, so it is a good idea to bundle them up before heading outside.

Dogs with fluffy coats, like huskies, Samoyeds, and Tibetan Mastiffs, do well in winter, so you may or may not need to make them wear warm clothes.

Also, old, young, and sick dogs need to be adequately protected from cold, so always dress them warmly when you take them outside.

When can you skip the warm clothes?

• Dogs with thick coats like Huskies.
• Dogs going out for a quick potty break or a short walk.
• Dogs who head out for an extended period of exercise don’t need extra clothing.

Consider putting booties on your dog 

Whether or not your dogs need booties is a matter of opinion. Some dogs can benefit from them, while others are fine without them. The experts suggest that if your dog has furry feet that collect snow and dirt between the toes, it should wear dog booties.

Dogs’ paw pads are sensitive to cold temperatures, so you can buy booties for your dogs to make their winter walks comfortable. But the right fit is essential. Otherwise, your dog will not be able to enjoy the walks.

Try out lots of booties until you find the right ones for your pooch.

Before heading out for a walk, let your dog get used to the boots. It will take your pooch a few days to get used to wearing them.

What if your dog refuses to wear booties?

If your pooch refuses to wear booties, consider the following:

• Soak his paws in a bowl of warm water for a few seconds when he comes inside. Then dry them thoroughly.
• You can also trim the fur between his toes to prevent ice and dirt from accumulating.
• If you find your dog’s paw pads are cracked or bleeding, you can apply petroleum jelly or paw wax.

Salt irritation on your dog’s paws often shows as redness, swelling, or excessive licking after walks where salt is spread.

If you notice these signs, rinse your dog’s paws with warm water and dry them well. Applying a pet-safe balm can help, but see your vet if the irritation continues.

Feed your dog well in winter

Dogs burn more calories in winter because they generate extra heat to counter the colder environment. So feed them a little extra food during the cold months.

If you have a very energetic dog, he will burn even more calories, so be sure to provide a high-calorie diet. Before you change your pet’s diet, consult your vet.

Keep your dog well-hydrated

Extreme cold temperatures can dry out your pup. Also, sweaters and booties can overheat your dog.

So, always carry a water bottle for your dog when you go out for long walks.

Give your dog plenty of water before and after winter walks.

Winter dog-walking tips: Scoop the poop

It’s a misconception that pet parents don’t need to scoop up their pup’s poop in winter. While it’s true that snow temporarily hides the mess, once the snow melts, the poop reappears.

Improperly disposing of dog poop can cause bacteria, pests, and diseases. So, always clean up after your pets, even in winter.

Keep towels handy

A dry towel after a winter walk is a must. Not only will it prevent mud, snow, and other messes in your house, but it will also warm up your pooch’s feet after a chilly walk.

It is an essential step in keeping your dog safe and warm in winter.

Keep walking sessions short

Take shorter walks.

Instead, allow your pet to run through the house a bit. You may even keep him busy and exercised by playing games like “fetch” or “tug-of-war.”

Consider skipping outdoor walks

Winter dangers, like hypothermia and frostbite, can affect your pets, too.

Avoid going outside unnecessarily if your pooch gets sick or too cold in winter. Pay attention to your pooch’s body language.

Here’s what you need to watch for:

• Consult a vet if you notice your dog whining or showing any other verbal signs of discomfort
• Hypothermia signs in dogs Include Intense shivering, shallow breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, a weak pulse, and muscle stiffness.
• Signs of frostbite in dogs: Pale, red, blue, or gray skin; pain in the ears, tail, paws, or other extremities; skin feels cold to the touch.

Keeping these winter dog-walking tips in mind will allow your pets to enjoy cold weather without discomfort.

So, go out and have fun, but with a bit of care and precaution. 

– Anoop Nain

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