How to keep your dog safe and warm this winter?
Love it or hate it, winter is here and you need to be prepared. It’s not just humans who struggle in the colder months. Our pets can also go through difficult times, and it is our duty to take care of them properly and minimize problems.
From getting lost in a snowstorm to developing cracked and irritated paw pads, your dog can suffer from a range of cold-related issues. Fortunately, you can do a lot about this. Here’s how to keep your dog safe and warm this winter.
Protect the legs
One of the main winter dangers for dogs that few parents know about is the salt or gravel used on icy roads. This can help keep motorists and pedestrians safe, but it’s potentially dangerous for your dog. Not only can it irritate the paw pads – causing nasty burns – but it’s also dangerous for your dog to ingest it, which can easily happen if he licks his paws after a walk.
A combination of tactics can help keep your canine companion safe. First, try to avoid walking on the gravel of the road. If that’s not possible, bring a towel with you on your walks so you can wipe your pet’s paws after walking on a patch of sand and again when you get home. You can also try using slippers to protect his feet. These may take some getting used to, but they will keep all the nasty substances off his paws and will also keep his feet warm.
Take Precautions Against Poison
Be aware of common poisons you might find during colder months. Antifreeze is toxic to dogs, so keep it where your dog can’t reach it and clean up any spills immediately. The use of rodent poison is more prevalent in the winter as mice and rats move indoors to escape the cold, so be careful on walks and perhaps ask your neighbors to let you know if they have any. deposit where your four-legged friend could potentially consume it. .
Adjust the steps in cold weather
You may need to slightly modify the way you walk your dog in cold weather. When there is a lot of ice or snow, the cold can affect your four-legged friend, especially older dogs, small dogs and dogs with fine fur. dog boots and canine coats can help keep Fido warm on the go. Also consider taking a few short walks rather than a long hike.
Days are much shorter, so it’s important to stay visible in winter, especially when walking in the early morning or evening. coats, vests, collars, harnesses or leashes with reflective strips and flashing collar clips will all help your furry friend be seen. Heavy snow can be disorienting for dogs, so it’s best to keep yours on a leash if you’re hiking in these conditions.
Dry your dog
If your dog gets wet during his walk, it’s important to dry him off well when you get home to keep him warm. Pay special attention to the paws in freezing or snowy weather, as ice balls can form in the hairs between the pads and lead to painful ice burns. Although you can buy dog towels for this purpose, you can just as easily use old bath towels. Just be sure to wash them regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Consider Indoor Activities
You may find days when walking your dog is simply impossible. It’s just not safe to walk around during blizzards, hailstorms, or when there’s several feet of snow in front of your door. Also, some dogs will refuse to leave the house if it is too wet or too cold. In these cases, you may want to find fun indoor activities to entertain your dog. You can work on training, play with your pup’s favorite toys, buy a puzzle toy for your dog to solve, stuff a KONG with something tasty, or hide treats around the house for your pet to find. Keeping your dog’s brain busy will help avoid boredom when you can’t get out.
Encourage sweet dreams
It’s not just us humans who can wake up cold at night without comfortable bedding. Your four-legged friend must have a warm place to sleep. It goes without saying, but your dog should sleep in the house during the winter (and the rest of the year)! Although you can find heated dog beds, this shouldn’t be necessary unless your dog seems to be really struggling at night. A reference dog bed Should do the trick as long as it’s fluffy and warm. Memory foam dog beds are particularly comfortable. Cover your dog with a blanket will help keep her warm at night, but if she’s tossing around too much and uncovering, she might sleep better in a dog sweater or indoor coat.
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Lauren Corona written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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