- Salt on the streets and sidewalks for melting snow can be painful on your dog’s paws.
Wipe them off with a warm wet towel after a walk. If they are really sensitive there are many different styles of booties for your four-leggers. - Antifreeze is both sweet and delicious to dogs. It is also TOXIC.
Sometimes it is blue in color. Keep your pooch away from eating or licking anything that is unknown to you, especially in driveways or hidden under the snow. - Dogs need to continue their exercise programs, even in the snow and cold.
Choose winter activities according to what your dog tolerates easily and practically. As with all exercise, start out slow and gradually increase duration and intensity. - Some dogs thrive in the cold crisp winter air and some retreat to the couch for some R&R. Watch for your dog’s favorite season, choose his/her strong points and have some fun. That may mean a cuddle on the couch or a cross country ski afternoon.
- If you’re in couch potato mode and waiting for 80 degrees, train in the house, play some fun indoor games like hide and find, fetch up and down the stairs, or do some shaping exercise with new items.
- And, of course, if the whole winter is just too cold for anything, watch that caloric intake and adjust accordingly.
- Some dogs get very cold, especially smaller or older dogs. There are many different styles of dog coats. Fleece is warm for winter and wrap-arounds are easy to get on and off.
