How to Walk a Dog in Winter
You love your dog and want to keep it healthy. Remember, dogs are domesticated so they don't have thick fur coats. It's up to you to keep them safe. Use your common sense and follow these tips to walk a dog in winter weather and keep it safe.
Instructions
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Keep the dog on a leash, not left to run wild. You need to monitor where they are and how long they are outside. Walk quickly. You don't want to keep them out too long.
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Leave collars and identifying tags on your pet at all times. You dog could get loose and blend into the snow or be gone long enough to suffer frostbite or hypothermia. You don't want your dog lost on a cold winter night or in a winter blizzard. They can get frostbite on their ears just as humans can.
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Watch out for road salt and antifreeze while walking your dog in the winter. Check that salt isn't stuck in their paws. Watch out for ice. You don't want either of you falling down.
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Check your local weather station or theweathernetwork.com for information on temperature and wind chills (see Resources below). The wind can make the temperature feel many degrees lower than it actually is.
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Find out if snow or hail is in the forecast. You don't want to be caught outside in a storm or in snow that is so deep that neither you nor your dog can walk in it.
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Put a coat and booties on small dogs. Keep their fur long so their own natural coat will protect them. Many indoor dogs are not used to the cold weather.
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Wipe their feet off after playing or walking in the snow. Watch for your dog limping or holding up a paw. It may have salt stuck in its paw or its paw may be too cold. Wipe their paws and legs well removing all snow and salt.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your dog outside all year round so it can become accustomed to the changing weather.
Feed dogs well in the winter so they have enough energy to fight the cold weather.
Be especially careful with new puppies in cold weather.
Keep them in if it's too cold; let them do their business and get back in the house.
Make sure your dog has its vaccinations even in the winter months. Dogs can still pass disease from one to another.
Get help right away if you think your dog has frostbite or hypothermia. Hypothermia is life threatening.
