Winter is in full swing and some snowy days are on the horizon. Snow is always exciting when you’re cozy inside your house, but when you’re a pet parent, that’s not always a possibility. We want to give you the low down on how to survive this winter while keeping your pup happy, healthy, and warm.
Winter’s Coming!!!
The best way to enjoy the winter is by being prepared for every situation. First, it’s important to remember that the sun is changing along with the weather and your walk and meal routine may not work best for you during the winter season. No matter where you live, it’s getting darker earlier, so stock up on reflective belts and lights, for you and your dog, to use if you are heading out for walks after sundown.
Be safe while you’re out there, wear appropriate footwear while you’re walking–your dog can throw on their booties too, but if they don’t like them it’s not a big deal. You can buy paw balm at your local pet store to rehydrate their pads during the winter months. Dogs who don’t have a ton of fur may benefit from a little coat or sweater to keep warm on walks.
Remember that salts can be toxic to dogs (as well as other wildlife!), so watch out for it while you’re on walks and opt for sand if you need to de-ice your driveway.
Snow Day Checklist
Once you get home from your outdoor jaunts, or your dog comes in from the backyard, there are a few things you should do to keep their skin and coat healthy and warm. Wipe off their paws when they come inside to wipe away any salt or irritants in the snow. If they were really jumping into the snow piles wipe them down and check for any snow clumps in their fur–they can thaw and refreeze which is, obviously, very painful!
Dogs shouldn’t be out in the cold and snow for very long, unless they’re built for those conditions like a Bernie, because they are more susceptible to frostbite on areas like their ears, paws, and tail.
For Anti-Snow Dogs
If your dog is more warm-weather oriented we recommend having a few puzzle or training games around the house to keep them occupied. A couple rounds of fetch inside can usually do the trick for smaller breeds.
If you live in an especially snowy area or somewhere where winter conditions don’t permit travel, stock up on their food and favorite treats. You may want to invest in some puppy pads incase you get totally snowed in.
Snowy days are some of the best parts of winter, and we hope with these tips you and your pup can spend the days making memories in the great outdoors.
