While winter may not be your favorite time to take your pup out for a walk, they will enjoy the activity and enrichment this brings. There can hazards that come with the elements, however. Walking dogs in the winter can be a safe activity with the proper precautions. Read on to learn how to do this safely!
1. Paw protection – Dog Shoes for walking dogs in the winter
Consider buying a set of winter boots for your dog to protect their paws. Sometimes they can begin to limp if there is snow or ice accumulated between their paw pads. It may take some time for your dog to adjust to wearing the boots, so I recommend trying them on indoors and rewarding the dog for wearing them. Some dogs don’t want to walk with the foreign boots on their paws initially, but once they get adjusted to having something on their feet, they will appreciate being able to go out in the cold without frozen paws. Consider trying Top Paw Dog Booties, which have velcro straps to help stay in place and rubber non-slip bottoms. If you’re unable to find these, try looking for rubber balloon boots that come in multipacks.
2. Consider jackets or coats
This is especially important for short haired dogs. There is no shortage of coats and other clothing available for dogs and they often come in a variety of sizes and colors. I have used the Carhartt Chore Coat for dogs, which is very cute and functional. However, it doesn’t have to be an expensive brand to work. I have also purchased cheaper, cotton sweatshirts that will do the job as well. Some of the coats will have a cut out hole for a harness, but if not I have cut holes myself to make the clothing work for my dogs’ harnesses.
3. Pet-friendly ice melting products
Most traditional salt products are not safe for pets. It is important to use a pet-friendly ice melting product to keep your dog safe. Pet-friendly melts will often include magnesium chloride instead of calcium chloride. Non-safe products can cause irritation to the dog’s paws and in severe cases can also cause chemical burns. Ingestion of any of these products is very dangerous to dogs, so be sure to store any ice melting products in a secure location that your dog cannot get into. Antifreeze can be deadly to dogs even in small amounts, so use extreme caution with any antifreeze deicers. While you may use pet-friendly safe products around your home, consider that roads and sidewalks are likely treated with unsafe products, so either use paw protection or avoid walking during these times. If you do take your dog for walks during the winter, be sure to clean off their paws, legs, and stomach afterwards so they don’t end up licking off salt products that may have splashed on them during the walk.
4. Listen to your dog
If your dog is exhibiting any signs of distress such as whimpering, shivering, or moving slowly, get your dog inside to warm up immediately. While some breeds such as Huskys or Great Pyrenees thrive in the cold weather, many breeds cannot tolerate being out in the cold for prolonged periods.
The winter months can still be fun and enriching for your dog as long as you take the proper precautions for winter safety! Have more tips for safely walking dogs in the winter? Leave them in the comments below!
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