When the snow starts to fall, it can mean lots of fun for our furry friends. Whether your dog loves the winter or not, it’s important to keep them safe through the cold months. Check out these five tips for how to keep your dog happy and healthy in the winter!
Protect the Paws
You wouldn’t walk around in the snow barefoot – but your dog does. Dog paws are a little more tolerant to cold than human feet, but they still need to be protected. Dry, cold weather exposes paw pads to cracking and peeling, and ice melt can cause cuts and burning.
Protect the paws with booties, especially in extreme cold. If your dog won’t tolerate booties, try petroleum jelly on the bottom of the pads. Always do a paw inspection when after coming back inside and wipe off any ice melt or salt.
Make A New Bathroom
Some dogs love snow but, for some, it can be a drag. For smaller dogs especially, deep snow poses a serious navigational challenge – and that can make going to the bathroom nearly impossible. Help your dog during potty time by digging a small path through the snow. You can also create an indoor bathroom by laying out pee pads in a laundry room or bathroom. Making sure your dog uses the bathroom will help prevent things like bladder and kidney issues.
Cozy Up
For those cold days and nights, sometimes it’s nice to stay cuddled up inside with your pup. Provide cozy, warm, safe places for your dog to relax by putting down warm, accessible bedding. Avoid using space heaters and never leave your dog alone with a space heater – they can cause serious burns.
Safety First
When you do go outside with your dog, practice safety first! Use a shorter lead than you would in the summer and always used a fixed, non-retractable variety to prevent slipping and sliding. If you’re around frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers, keep your dog away unless they are cleared for human weight. Dogs can easily fall through ice.
Get Lots of Exercise
Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t need exercise. Regular activity will keep your dog fit, healthy, and stimulated, so it’s important to keep playing throughout the whole winter season. Try playing fetch in the snow to get fresh air and sun or, if you can’t go outside, set up an obstacle course with cushions in your living room.
Keeping your dog happy and healthy in the winter might seem like a challenge, but with these simple tips it can be easy.You can also try taking him to training courses to freshen up on his skills! Argos Dog Training offers beginner to advanced dog training courses in Boston. Get in contact with us today to learn more!