Does your dog love the snow? Or does Fido make his walks short and sweet when it’s cold out? No matter which camp your canine pal falls into, you’ll need to take care to keep both him and yourself safe at this time of year. A California, MD vet offers some tips on walking your pup in cold weather.
Be sure to wear boots or shoes with good tread. You don’t want to slip and fall if your furry friend pulls on the leash!
Your canine buddy is running around barefoot, which isn’t much fun at this time of year. Some pooches will wear booties, but others just won’t go for fancy footwear. If your dog doesn’t like boots, use paw balm or paw wax. This will moisturize his feet, and help keep ice balls from forming. We also recommend getting pet-safe de-icing agents.
It gets dark early at this time of year, so it’s probably safe to assume that you’ll be taking your pet out after dark quite a bit. Make sure that drivers can see you and your pup! Wear a light, reflective jacket, and get Fido a leash and collar or harness that will show at night.
Snow can hide dangerous objects, such as potholes, broken glass, and other sharp objects. Keep an eye on the terrain!
Dogs with thin fur are usually much more comfortable with jackets or sweaters. Make sure that your furry buddy’s clothes fit him well, and are not tight, hot, or restricting. You may actually want to get Fido a few pieces. That way, he’ll still have something to wear if some of his things are wet or dirty.
You may want to designate a specific jacket for walking your canine companion. Fill the pockets with things like treats, waste baggies, spare keys, and a phone charger. That way, you only have to grab one thing on your way out the door.
Even the coldest winter often offers the occasional reprieve. Take advantage of warmer days, and take your pooch out for longer walks when the weather is nice.
Don’t take your fuzzy buddy near potential hazards, such as frozen bodies of water, steep cliffs, or riverbanks. Better safe than sorry!
As your California, MD veterinary clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Please contact us anytime!