How to walk your dog in snowy weather

Who doesn’t love playing around in the snow? It’s great fun for both humans and dogs but it’s important to make sure you’re safe when out walking in the colder weather.

Just as we need extra layers to keep warm when the temperature drops, short-haired breeds may also need a bit of extra padding when they’re out and about. There are lots of doggy coats available in a range of different styles and sizes to help keep your pup warm.

You may also want to invest in some dog boots to protect their paws. If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing shoes, you could use petroleum jelly or specialist dog paw balms to keep their feet safe from cold and grit. Always remember to wipe your dog’s paws when you get home as the damp and cold can irritate their skin and become uncomfortable for your pet. It’s a good idea to keep a stack of clean, dry towels near your front door so you can wipe your dog’s fur and paws down when you get home. Make sure your pets’ claws are kept short too; as this will stop them slipping around on icy surfaces and prevent damage to their nail beds.

When you’re out and about, don’t let your dog consume any snow. Snow can camouflage a number of potential dangers, such as toxic substances or small objects that could be harmful to your dog. Try and keep your dog on a lead when you’re out for a walk as it’s easy for them to become disorientated in the snow and they may wander off and get lost. Ensure that they are microchipped (in accordance with the law) and that they are wearing a collar that is clearly marked with your contact details.

At home, when de-icing your property, make sure you are using dog-safe products on areas that your dog is likely to sniff or lick around, such as your driveway, doorstep and any garden paths and keep any antifreeze way out of reach.

If the weather is really bad and you would rather stay indoors, there are things you can do to try and burn off some energy around the house. You could play some games, like hide and seek, either hiding yourself, or hiding small treats or toys around the house for them to find. If you get frequent bouts of bad weather, a dog treadmill might be a good investment or you could try and find a local pool that offers dog swimming classes.

However you decide to enjoy the snow with your pet, make sure you both stay safe at all times.

Fri Feb 15 2019