As
an owner, wrapping up for a winter walk will be a priority but is it a
priority for your dog in winter too? It should be. Dogs have a built-in fur
that provides protection during walks but sometimes the winter weather can be
brutal. It is important that when you are exercising your dog in winter months that they
happy and comfortable.
- Avoid being out in the cold for long periods of
time, especially if temperatures are low or below freezing.
- Go out for a walk when it is warmest to help
keep your dog safe.
- Make sure your dog is dry before taking them out
in cold temperatures to avoid them getting a chill.
- Wrap up warm and put a coat on your dog if you
need to. If they begin to shiver or lose alertness, take them back inside.
- Avoid icy roads and pavements, if possible, to
avoid your dog getting ice and salt in their paws.
- Keep walks short. If they are still energetic
after a short walk, you may want to invest in some indoor playtime.
- Wear reflective clothing as well as your dog to make sure you are seen by others.
If your dog
starts to display unsettled behaviour, it may be that long walks in the cold aren’t
for them. However, some dogs do like colder weather, especially snow. In this
case, allow them to play and have fun.
What to Do After
Your Walk
After your
walk, it is important to get your dog warm and dry as soon as you can to avoid
them getting a chill. Also, if it has been snowing or is icy out, check between
their toes to make sure there isn’t any snow, ice or grit stuck. Wash their
paws with some lukewarm water to help clean them. If left, it can cause your
dog’s paw pads to develop cracks and burns. For more advice on how you can look after your dog in winter months, click here.
Exercising Your Dog Indoors
Some days you
might not be able to get outside to exercise your dog. Instead, you will need
to find a way to exercise them indoors as they will still need their daily dose
of exercise. Here are some ways you can exercise your dog without having to
venture outside.
- Use snuffle mats and puzzle feeders to stimulate
their brains.
- Teach them some new tricks.
- Play hide and seek with tasty treats.
- Build an indoor obstacle course.
- Play fetch or tug of war.
Your dog’s daily exercise is essential for meeting certain
needs including quality time and training. If your dog doesn’t meet these needs,
it can influence their attitude and behaviour and possibly lead to seasonal affective
disorder. If you think your dog is suffering from
seasonal affective disorder,
read our blog for tips on how you can ease it.