A short harness and leash, cleaning the legs of antifreeze residue and drying the dog when he gets home are all tricks for safe walks this winter.
Cold and snow also pose dangers for dogs. Did you know that dogs also get colds and that they can get sick from low winter temperatures? Luckily, there are tricks and even stylish tips to protect your dogs this winter and walk safely despite the cold. Any ideas? Use a harness and short leash, use coats and boots, clean the legs of antifreeze residues, as they are toxic, and dry the animal very well when you get home.
1. Ice? Be careful because the dog is in danger!
The walks in snowy areas love the dogs . The reason is that the snow transforms the entire landscape into a new environment, all of it to be discovered. These outings, however, involve certain risks that must be known. One of them, the icy surfaces so slippery for the dog.
When we walk with the dog in winter, we must avoid icy areas, such as lakes or ice puddles. We do not know if the ice will support the weight of the dog , so it represents a huge danger for the animal.
2. In winter, protect the dog with a leash
In winter, harnesses are very useful to walk the dog safely. A trick for a safe ride in the snow? Never walk without a leash with the dog, as this rope can be life insurance for them. Animals do not always know which part of the ground is solid or when the ice poses a risk, so it is best not to let go of the dog and avoid dangerous areas.
A short leash will also help to be closer to the dog, to control it better and to be able to stop it in case it is in danger. A slip on the ice or a thin layer of ice are certain risks for the four-legged friend. For this reason, one should avoid extendable straps, which provide little control.
3. Hot dogs in winter: watch out for waiting
Each season has its own dangers for dogs. And winter is no less. The guideline is to make sure the dog is always warm and protected . This tip is also important when walking into a store to run an errand or a quick purchase. Something as simple as leaving the dog outside waiting, sitting on the cold floor, can make him cold, give him a cold or make arthritis worse.
What to do if you shiver Without wasting time, it is important to get the dog to regain lost heat. The best thing to do is to go home, use a warm blanket, and dry any moisture that sticks to the four-legged friend’s hair.
4. Cold? Antifreeze is a danger to dogs
Winter forces you to take special care of the dog’s legs. And not only to protect them from the cold, because you also have to protect them from poisons such as antifreeze. This product, so used to protect car engines from the cold, frequently falls to the ground. The problem? The antifreeze liquid is very toxic to the dog. A little antifreeze liquid stuck to the paws can be a life threatening poisoning hazard for the dog if it sucks on the paws . The advice? Always clean your furry friend’s paws when you get home.
5. Walking with dogs in winter? Canine clothing and boots
The cold, the snow, as well as the salt so used to clear streets and roads after snowfalls, are very aggressive elements for canine feet.
Boots are a help. There are against the cold, but there are also adherents , which help them avoid slipping on icy surfaces. The cold and snow can create wounds on the dog’s pads, sores and cracks can appear. The footwear for dogs, sold in specialized stores in the sector, protects their legs from the cold. There are boots designed for all terrains, also for walking in the snow.
6. Warm winter for dogs: beds and baths
After walks, be sure to remove any moisture or ice from the dog’s body and legs ; watch carefully between the fingers, because in that area the wounds are frequent; And provide a bed for him in a warm area of the house, away from drafts and humidity, and with blankets so that he can rest calmly and peacefully.
Another important tip? Do not bathe the dog more than necessary in winter. Unless you made the croquette in a quagmire! If you have to bathe your dog, be sure to use hot water and dry it well before finishing to avoid a cold.
7. Safe exercise for dogs in winter
Dogs need their walks and also exercise. However, during the worst days of winter, it is best to advance the walks to before dark. And if this is not possible, it is convenient to use a luminous or reflective strap and necklaces , to locate you without problems in the dark and thus avoid unpleasant – and dangerous – losses.
You can also increase the physical and mental exercise of the dog with fun games for dogs at home .
