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Dogs love snow. This is as the compound is unusual and smooshy
for your puppy. It also makes an excellent location for hiding
sticks. Since you are the owner, the responsibility of taking
care of your dog falls on your shoulders. However much the canine
loves the snow, the animal must not excessively roll on the snow.
This is as the snow can actually hurt your dog. Canines are
susceptible to hypothermia when they stay in sub-zero
temperatures for a longer period of time. It is thus important
that you must not leave your dog unattended. Dogs get hurt the
most not by the snow itself but by falling on hard ice.
Hypothermia is a possibility
If there is no ice, you can allow your best friend to play in the
snow. The play-time, however, must not extend beyond 30 minutes.
You should observe it carefully for hypothermia signs like
shallow breathing, weakness, or shivering. It is to be kept in
mind that dogs get distracted and unlikely to stop playing unless
badly ill. Yes, it may play in the snow "naked". The cold will
get to its body quicker and you must bring it inside the house to
make the animal warm again. If your dog loves to play in the snow
and there are clear indications of it wanting to make playing in
the snow a regular fixture, you can invest in "blizzard suits" or
all-weather pants.
Snow boots and consumption
You can gift your dog cute snow boots if you and your puppy live
in a climate noted for its fiercer or extreme cold. These boots
come in handy not only for playing but also for long walks in the
cold or frozen ground. In case your puppy hates boots, trim its
nails and apply cold weather balm or vaseline on its paws to stop
chapping. You must not forget to wash the paws of the dog after
it comes home after a long (or short) day outside.You must not
allow your dog to consume snow. A few licks are allowed but not
snowballs of any size. This is as rainwater could be polluted as
well. As a resident of colder climates, your dog may accidentally
consume a de-icer or any anti-freeze while eating snow. Regard
your dog like as a child and always assume that it is having too
much fun. For dogs, snowfall can make it difficult to understand
where the sidewalks start and the streets end. If you wish to
play with your dog in the snow, it is best done inside a park or
any wide and empty space. If your dog likes to defecate outside,
make a grass mound for it so that the animal could do the needful
without wasting much time.
Why Are Some Pooches Winter-Loving Snow Dogs?
With winter in full swing, snow has begun to accumulate around
the cooler climates in the U.S. As the powder covers the ground
and creates piles ripe for playing, you'll probably notice
some snow dogs frolicking around and enjoying the seasonal
flurries.But why do so many pooches transform into snow dogs once
winter rolls around? Is it the texture of the powder or the
feeling of snowflakes on their noses? Or could it be something
deep within their DNA?
Understanding the Snow Dogs' Mentality
Taking your pooches for walks into snowy areas can be great fun
for everyone, but there's never been a real connection made
between the white stuff and dogs' obsession with frolicking in
the cold weather. In a new article at Scientific American,
decorated professors weighed in on
the matter
.According to John Bradshaw, Ph.D., visiting fellow at the
University of Bristol, the novel nature of snow might be the key
to this fascination. Typically, canines develop quick habits with
the objects they play with, such as towels, tennis balls and
squeaky toys. When it snows, the precipitation changes the
sensory characteristics of everything dogs touch, especially
scent. This can renew dogs' interests in familiar surroundings
and items, turning on exploratory behaviors.Alexandra Horowitz,
Ph.D., from the department of psychology at Barnard College,
echoed similar sentiments about novelty. Her dogs exhibit signs
of newfound pleasure when it snows, leading her to believe the
changed landscape and topography of snow excites canines when
they go outside. The "new" feelings and smells are so engaging
for dogs that they become excitable and leap around the yard in
joy.These theories show that dogs enjoy playing in the snow as
much as their families do and are happy to be frolicking through
mounds of the powder because it offers them new experiences.
However, before letting Fido investigate the latest mountain of
snow created by the local plow drivers, owners should prepare for
potential health complications.
Caring for Your Snow
Dogs in the Winter
Dogs may love to run around outside in the cold, snowy weather,
but it's important that pet parents ensure that their pooches
don't fall victim to health conditions caused by winter. For
example, the drier temperatures mean that your snow dogs'
skin and fur might be negatively affected by the blustery
weather.When they experience dry skin, treat your furry friends
with
Animax Ointment
. The
dog medication
is a combination of antimicrobial, antifungal and
corticosteroid ingredients used to treat skin disorders
characterized by inflammation or dermatitis. Animax effectively
treats an array of conditions, including eczema and seborrhea.All
of the frolicking can also put a lot of strain on your canines'
joints, so it's smart to stock up on
Deramaxx
to control pain and inflammation. It's particularly effective
against osteoarthritis, which directly impacts joints.
Deramaxx comes in beef-flavored chewable tablets that make it
easy for your furry friends to consume with meals.
Don't forget to sign up for PetPlus to purchase these
helpful treatments at affordable prices.