Walking your Dog in the Winter

Keep you and your dog safe during Winter Walks!

While some dogs love to play and walk in the snow, it is up to you to make sure they are safe. Your dog can’t tell you when he or she is too cold, so be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite which you can read about here. Below are some easy to follow quick tips for walking your dog during the cold weather:

• Keep your dog’s nails trimmed for better balance and traction
• Protect your dog’s feet by investing in a pair of shoes (if your dog will actually wear them),  avoiding  large mounds of salt or ice melt in your dog’s path, and making sure to wipe their foot-pads as soon as you come home.
• The colder the weather, the shorter the walk.  If your toes and fingers start to hurt, it is usually a good time to go back. Your safety is just as important as your dog’s!
• Find ways to play indoors. Since walks may be shorter, your dog may have left over energy to burn off. Play games like fetch, tug of war and hide and seek indoors to burn off that extra energy.

Related: Winter Safety Infographic