As mercury declines, it is paramount that we take special care of our beloved furry friends. Learn important guidelines for keeping your four-legged companion safe and warm during winter walks.
Ensure your dog stays snug and comfortable.
Certain dogs develop thick, fluffy coats all year round. As temperatures drop, your dog’s coat can be lengthened to provide additional warmth and protection for your dog. On the other hand, short-haired breeds or young puppies may need assistance to keep warm, which may require the use of a coat in cold weather.
When walking your dog in the dark, visibility to other dog owners and drivers is very important. Choosing coats with high-visibility reflective elements and trying options like flashing collars and light attachments (assuming they fit well and your dog is used to them) can help improve safety. You can increase it. Getting your dog used to wearing a coat and light attachments should be done gradually and aggressively. This approach allows your dog to not only tolerate wearing the gear, but also enjoy wearing it, making winter outings more enjoyable in the long run.
Tips for winter walks
First tip: When it’s snowing, it’s wise to keep your dog on a leash. Deep patches, holes, and obscured unsafe areas may pose risks, so a leash safeguards your dog from potential falls and injuries.
Second tip: Ensure your dog sports a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped. Keep your microchipping database updated with your current address and contact details for added security.
Third tip: After walks, remember to wipe your dog’s legs, feet, and stomach. Grit from roads and moisture from rain or snow can be irritating to their skin.
Fourth tip: Never leave your dog in the car, regardless of the weather. This practice is hazardous and should never be considered as an option.
Fifth tip: Caution against allowing your dog to walk on frozen ponds. The ice may not bear their weight, and if they fall through, resist the urge to go after them. Instead, encourage them to swim back to safety and call emergency services if needed.
Sixth tip: Be cautious of antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Store it and other chemicals out of reach, swiftly cleaning up any spills to prevent accidental ingestion.
Seventh tip: Prioritize your safety too. Dress appropriately for the weather with a suitable coat and shoes, ensuring your visibility matches that of your dog.
Eighth tip: Regularly inspect your dog’s leads, collars, and harnesses for safe functionality. Winter weather, with its damp conditions, can lead to rust on metal clips, so it’s essential to check and replace if necessary. Fastening lead clips and carabiners can be challenging in the cold, so try to do this indoors if possible.
Keeping your dog active during winter
Exercising your dog in the dim light of the night can be difficult, especially when public parks are closed at dusk. Especially in wet and cold weather, it’s important to find ways to keep walks fun and keep your dog active.
Vary your walking routes
When public parks are closed, introduce your dog to different and different road routes. This allows you to experience new sights, sounds and smells and provides plenty of entertainment.
Experiment with doggy parkour
Incorporate short workouts into your walks to increase excitement. Bring treats to reward your dog for tricks on each street. Alternatively, you can create a parkour experience for your dog by keeping him on a leash for safety and using treats to guide him around street features such as benches and street lights.
Engage in indoor games
Indoor activities like hide and seek or ‘find it’ not only entertain but also mentally stimulate your dog. Conceal a toy for them to discover, and indulge in play as a reward upon success.
Enhance enrichment indoors
In inclement weather, when spending more time indoors, ensure your dog remains engaged. Long-lasting tasty chews, rubber food-releasing toys, and enrichment games offer enjoyable and mentally stimulating activities.
Educational and entertaining endeavors
Give your dog fun and educational games. Check out our short training courses for puppies, teenagers, and adult dogs. These courses teach important skills in a positive and fun environment. Give your furry companion a combination of education and fun by enrolling in a dog school training course.
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