Keep your walking routine through the winter
Here in The South, our winters can be mild or harsh – it just depends on the week! Let’s face it – we don’t all love it when it’s harsh. But keeping your dog on their walking routine as best you can is always beneficial for them. It’s good mental and physical stimulation – especially if you have to be at work all day and they need an outlet for that extra energy. Keeping our dogs warm and safe is also a priority. Here are a few precautions you can take for walking a dog in winter:
- Know there will be days the weather won’t permit a walk. There are times it will just be too cold for either of you. A good general rule: if your reliable weatherman says it’s unsafe for people to be outside, that carries over to your dog. Dogs with health challenges or elderly dogs are more susceptible to cold-weather issues, so days that are frigid and icy are probably the days you want to skip a walk.
- Get some winter walking apparel:
- Prioritize their feet. Dog boots help protect their paws from ice and salt (if you have those conditions). Don’t put them on too loose or snug (check the manufacture’s website to size properly). Be prepared: boots will take some getting used to! Start in the home, with one and let them walk around; then gradually add one boot at a time until they are comfortable walking inside with all four on. Even if you decide not to go the boot route, wipe any road salt off their paws after a walk.
- Get a coat or sweater. You have to take into account your dog breed here: dogs with short hair/low body fat get colder quicker (so go with a heavier layer). You might even need an extra layer for small, elderly, and chronic health issue dogs. Cuteness should NOT be the deciding factor, either. Make sure it properly fits, doesn’t constrict your dog’s breathing, or include loose/dangling parts that can be ripped off and swallowed.
- You need to dress properly, too! Layers help, and wear shoes that will give you good traction.
Related: 6 Reasons Basic Obedience Helps Your Dog And You
We hope you found this article helpful with walking a dog in winter, so that both you and your dog can enjoy some fun outside!
If you need help with leash walking, please give us a call!
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