Safety Tips for Winter Weather Walks with Fido

As the weather gets colder, walks with your pooch can become risky. Follow these tips on how to keep Fido safe on your winter walks.

Bundle Up

When walking your dog in the winter, you need to keep your dog as warm as possible. Invest in a dog winter coat or dog sweater. When purchasing winter gear for your dog, make sure it fits correctly, and opt for function over fashion. If your dog can handle footwear, shop for a pair of dog booties. Not only will booties protect your pooch’s paws from snow and ice, but they will also safeguard them from dangerous chemicals, such as antifreeze or road salt.

Keep the walk short and during the day.

On very cold days, limit your walks to 30 minutes or less, and always during the daytime. Anymore, your pup can start to be more susceptible to the harmful effects of cold weather. Nighttime winter walks can be even more dangerous as temperatures drop lower and lower. On your walk, look for cues that your dog has had enough of the cold.

Signs of a too-cold dog are shivering, whining, and difficulty walking. If your pooch has painful spots on their paws that are back or miscolored, take them to the vet immediately. These can be signs of frostbite, which can lead to major injuries and even amputation.

Pamper Those Paws

Your pup’s paws can take a beating during the winter months. After your cold walks, inspect your pooch’s paw for any signs of injury. If your dog’s paws are split and have an open sore, apply first aid immediately. First, clean the wound out with water. Then, apply an antibacterial spray to the affected area. Finally, wrap Fido’s paw with gauze.  You can also prevent injuries on further walks. After your winter walks, wipe your pooch’s paws with a warm cloth. Then, apply a gentle paw moisturizer, like coconut oil. This moisturizer will prevent any dry paws and split paw pads.

The winter can be dangerous for you and your pooch. The next time you take your dog out for a walk, follow these winter safety tips.