Even when the snow and cold winds hit, it’s important that your dog gets enough exercise!
Here are a few tips for winter dog walking:
- Be sensible! Going out in a blizzard or icy conditions won’t be good for you or your dog!
- Shorten walks on colder days, try some indoor games like fetch with a soft toy or make a treat hunt around the house!
- Try a doggy coat or sweater for smaller, shorter haired breeds – reflective ones are good when it’s darker too.
- Stick to pavements, deep snow is fun for dogs to jump in but can get stuck to bellies.
- Walk earlier in the day and wear reflective gear or a use a light up collar if you do walk in the dark.
- Keep dogs on leads around frozen water.
- Limit snow ingestion, it can easily cause tummy upsets
- Wipe paws after walks and trim long toe hair.
- Also, dry off thoroughly after walks and give your dog a good check over.
- Try boots or paw wax for extra sensitive feet.
- Reduce food/treats if your dog isn’t getting as much exercise as normal.
The most important thing is to keep you and your dog safe, in extreme conditions, don’t take risks just for the sake of a walk.
Please contact us at the surgery on 01435 864422 if you have any concerns.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care with a Friendly Face
