Winter is just around the corner! As the weather cools, you may need to make some changes to your doggy-walking routine, in order to keep your canine pal healthy and safe. Read on as a Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses walking Fido in winter.
Paws
Walking on snow, sand, salt, ice, or chemical de-icing agents can really do a number on your dog’s paws. Choose pet-safe de-icing agents, and use paw balm or wax to protect Fido’s furry feet. You can also try putting booties on your dog, though not all of our furry friends will go for this.
Clothing
Your pet may need a bit of extra protection against the cold. If Fido has a thin coat, get him a doggy sweater to wear on frigid days. Just be sure to avoid putting your pooch in anything that is tight or constricting. You’ll also want to avoid anything with zippers, as well as items with small parts your pup could try to eat.
Training
Making sure your four-legged friend knows basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down is very important. If your dog has a habit of pulling you, take time to work on his petiquette. This can be a very dangerous habit, especially on ice!
Night Walks
Since it gets dark so early in winter, you’ll likely be walking Fido after sunset quite a bit. Wear reflective clothing, and use a reflective leash on your pet. You’ll also want to bring a flashlight with you. If you are walking on the side of the road, make sure your furry buddy stays to the outside, as he will be harder for drivers to spot.
Locations
Avoid bringing your pet to dangerous areas, such as riverbanks. Also, don’t bring your four-legged buddy too close to frozen bodies of water. Better safe than sorry!
Nail Care
Make sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed! Long claws are quite uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. They can also make it harder for him to gain traction on slippery surfaces. If your canine friend has toe fur tufts, you’ll want to trim those, too. Otherwise, they can collect ice balls, which are not very comfortable for Fido!
Please do not hesitate to contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ pet hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!
