Tips for Dogs with Active Lifestyles to Stay Safe in the Winter
It is highly likely that if your family includes a dog that likes to exercise and play, you will spend very much time outside in all seasons, including the winter. However, even among the best dogs for active lifestyles, some are not suited for outdoor play during the cold season.
While exercising your dog in winter, remember these safety tips from one of our expert veterinarians, Dr. RuthAnn Lobos. If your dog loves being in the cold stuff, there are things you can do to keep them safe.
1. Acclimate Your Dog Gradually
Make sure your dog gets used to cold weather by starting with short sessions outside and slowly increasing the time he spends outside.
A good rule of thumb is: If it’s too cold for you, your dog is too cold. Keep in mind your dog’s coat thickness and his age, as puppies and seniors have a harder time regulating their body temperature.
A Purina veterinarian explains, “Acclimation is key. If they appear fine and aren’t shivering or trying to get inside, they can stay outside longer if they’re building up to the experience.”
Make sure your dog spends plenty of time outside once you’ve acclimated him to the cold weather. If you are looking for new exercises to do with your dog, build a small agility course out of piles of snow. Dogs can keep busy with an indoor gym or puzzle feeder if the weather is too cold or icy. Visit our website here healpup.com
2. Improve efficiency in handling business
Make sure you shovel a patch of grass so your dog has a place to go right away. If there are areas with more protection from snow, ice, and wind, encourage your dog to go there instead. Reinforce good behavior with treats afterward to discourage accidents inside.
3. Beware of rock salt and antifreeze
When ingested, rock salt isn’t toxic, but it can irritate your dog’s paws and upset his stomach.
You should keep your dog away from blue- or green-colored substances on driveways, sidewalks, and cars. Antifreeze tastes sweet, but it’s toxic.
If your dog has licked off salt or antifreeze residue on his or her paws, wipe them off before they come inside, which will also make their paws warmer more quickly.
4. Provide your dog with the right amount of warmth
Your dog may feel cold if you cover them with a towel or blanket. You can also use a blow dryer on a low setting. However, do not heat their paw pads.
Instead, warm up some rice in a sock and place in their pads (be sure to check the temperature against your wrist). If your dog is prone to frostbite, stock up on sweaters, coats, and booties in advance.
5. Don’t let your dog’s paws get damaged while exercising
Make sure your dog wears booties in winter to protect their paws from cracked pads. Otherwise, clean their paws whenever they come inside.
When your dog’s paw pads are cracked, use a moisturizer made for cow udders to soothe them. After applying it, keep him busy with a puzzle feeder or treat so he doesn’t lick it off.
6. Provide Fuel for an Active Winter Lifestyle for Your Dog
Your dog needs quality food to keep active (and warm!) in colder weather. When dogs are active during cold weather, they need a protein-to-fat ratio that helps fuel their metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle, so Pro Plan Sport formulas keep them active. Click here.
You and your dog can share time enjoying the winter weather by following these tips. If you have specific questions about your dog and winter exercise, speak to your vet.
