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Winters can be fun- thereโs the snowfall, the hot cocoa, and of
course, the holiday season. But, it isnโt just the humans who
find winters exciting. Even our furry little friends love winter
and they have no qualms about showing it. However, as a sensible
pet owner, you cannot let your dog out in the snow for more than
a few minutes. There are obvious reasons for thatInstead follow
these helpful suggestions to make winter as fun as possible for
your faithful friend.
Try Indoor activities
Itโs wise to stay indoors, especially during heavy snowfall.
However, do not let that hamper your fun. Use the โindoors timeโ
to teach your dog a trick or two. If he or she is still a pup,
you can use the time to train him/her. Also, keep your sessions
short, about 5 to ten minutes each. Anything beyond this will
cause your dog to lose attention. Small, multiple sessions are
more fun and more effective.
Go for short, brisk walks
Itโs okay for your dog to go on a long walk when the weatherโs
more pleasant. However, thatโs not going to be possible during
peak winter. But, your dog still needs the exercise. So, the best
solution here is to go for short and brisk walks. But, donโt keep
your dog protected while doing so. Try to cover him/her with a
sweater. Also, donโt forget the paws. There are protective paw
coatings and booties that are available in the market. So, try
getting a set. Your dog can catch a cold if he/she is exposed to
such extreme weather. So, make sure that your dog is insulated
from nose to tail. However, if he/she feels uncomfortable, donโt
force the clothing. Start off by making him/her wear the sweater
or coat for a few minutes every day, inside the house. If that
still doesnโt work, just let him/her be.
Watch out for chemicals
In case you did not know, roads and sidewalks are treated with
chemicals to prevent freezing. These chemicals can be very toxic.
So, make sure you have your dogโs paws cleaned thoroughly after a
walk outside. You donโt want him/her licking her paws and
ingesting all that toxic stuff. Also, when salting your own
driveway and other areas, make sure you use a pet-friendly
product.
Have fun
Despite the restrictions during this season, you can still make
the most of your time on outdoor walks. For example you could
include a few games to make your little one run around a bit and
get all the exercise he/she can during that short span of time.
For example, you can bury your dogโs favorite toy in the snow and
ask him/her to find it.
Keep Fido Happy, Warm and Dry During the Winter
Recently, it seems like every winter has been harsher and colder
than the last. While our furry friends have some thicker coats to
protect them from the frigid temperatures, sometimes it's not
enough to keep them warm.KOAA Colorado reported that
Denver police officers were quick
to visit the home of dog owners
who left their pooch outside in the cold and snow. After
considerable public outrage, the city's law enforcement arrived
and told the people to let their dog inside because he lacked
adequate shelter.
During the winter months, it's not uncommon for temperatures to
dip below freezing. Although the Denver officers are doing
everything they can to keep local dogs safe, there's only so much
they can do within the confines of the law. Whenever they're
called to a home, police conduct an investigation to ensure that
the animals aren't in distress and have proper access to shelter
and water.If the conditions are deemed unfit, owners can be
slapped with a hefty fine or face criminal charges for
negligence. In fact, law enforcement officers are able to seize
the dog if they feel he/she is in danger. If you see a dog
outside shaking, tired, or not responding to calls, they may be
distressed and need medical assistance.
Managing winter care for
dogs
Winter is rough on every species. It's no wonder that birds fly
south to warmer climates until the temperature becomes bearable
again. Even with their fur, canines can experience hypothermia
and other health complications from extreme cold. It's important
to be mindful of the weather and practice effective
winter care
for dogs
.The American Kennel Club suggests that
pooches shouldn't be left outside
for long hours
. It's already cold enough to begin with, but wind chills can
make temperatures drop dramatically. This is especially true when
night falls and the sun's warmth is sapped. Only let them out
alone for a half-hour or so before calling them back
inside.There might come a time when your pooch goes outside and
ends up soaked to the bone from snow or rain. The patented doggy
"quick shake" can only do so much, so it's important to dry off
with a towel or blow dryer. The Humane Society of the U.S.
recommended that
protecting your dog from wetness
can keep them happy and healthy
once indoors.Sign up for
PetPlus
today to find all of the accessories you need to provide winter
care for your dog.
