SNOW can often be problematic and cause widespread travel disruption, meaning people often choose not to leave their homes during periods of icy weather. But if you're a dog owner, can you still walk your dogs in the snow?
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Dogs find nothing more exciting than a ‘walkies’ with their owner. But during periods of heavy snowfall, many dog owners may wonder how they can keep their dogs safe in the cold weather.Express.co.ukspoke to dog experts and vets about how owners can keep their pooches happy in the snow .Can you walk dogs in the snow?
Even when it is snowing, it is important dogs are still taken out for walks for exercise.
But in the cold weather, dog owners should take extra steps to make sure their beloved four-legged friends are safe and protected.
Regarding the topic of walking dogs in the winter, Dr. Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home, said dog owners can still make walks fun “by preparing in advance”.Dr Heyrman said: “Dogs need to be walked regardless of the weather or whether it’s dark outside, but winter walks can still be made enjoyable by preparing in advance.READ ALSO:
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“I’d highly recommend reflective gear to make walking in the dark as safe as possible and a self-heated bed is the perfect way to warm them up afterwards.”
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To protect dogs from the cold, dog owners may consider a suitable dog coat when taking their pet out and about.
Anna Webb, a behaviour and nutrition expert, told Express.co.uk: “Most dogs love the snow and it excites them to bound and play.“Plus all the scents and smells are frozen, taking on dizzying heights for their super olfaction.
“But just as we can slip and slide in the snow, dogs can pull a tendon or ligament.
“As older dogs arthritic symptoms’ can be exacerbated by the cold, it’s advisable to keep their walks short.
“Wearing an extra layer- a practical warm and waterproof dog coat - is recommended for short haired dogs, enabling them to stay out for longer.”
Get Educated. The first step to being an outstanding pet owner, according to Dr. Becker, is taking responsibility. “Nobody ever says ‘I was a lousy pet owner.’ It’s always the pet’s fault.” Learn the peculiarities of your pet’s breed such as how much exercise they need, how gregarious they are, how much maintenance their coat requires, how often they need to go outside, and about new technologies, products, and nutrition that might help you care for your pet. Knowing the basics about your pet’s upkeep ensures you won’t be caught off guard by troubling behavior.
"When temperatures plunge, keep these excursions short and frequent, rather than longer periods outdoors.
"With lockdown restrictions, you might want to consider different family members within your household going out at different times, so your dog can go on a couple of short walks or having a little walk in the morning and then play time in the garden in the afternoon.
"However, avoid forcing your pet to go outside if they really don’t want to. A suitable waterproof coat can help keep dogs dry, and they’re especially good for pets that are very young or old, are sick, or have very thin fur.
"If it’s slippery or wet be extra careful with dogs that might be more likely to trip or fall, for example older dogs or those with arthritis."
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Does snow hurt dogs paws?
While taking your dog out in the snow and afterwards, it's important to pay extra attention to your pooch’s paws.
Cold weather, snow and ice can cause irritation to dog’s paws, and ice can form between the pads and toes.
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So giving a dog’s paws a warm wash and dry after a walk in the cold can help to keep paws healthy.
PDSA vet Anne Ewers Clark added: "Check your dog’s paws regularly and clean any build-up of salt, grit, dirt or snow from them, as this can be painful."After their walkies, towel-dry them straight away if they get wet, to help keep them warm and make sure you rinse off their paws.
"If you spot your pet shivering or they seem to be struggling with the cold, bring them into the warmth straight away. Hypothermia can develop quickly and can be fatal if not treated.”
Dog owners should also be aware of other hazards during snow periods, such as grit.
Pooch & Mutt Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Linda Simon, toldExpress.co.uk: "During cold and icy weather, watch out for the grit put down by the council.
“Grit can become caked onto dog's paws and bellies and can cause a good degree of irritation and even skin ulcers.
“You may find they lick their paws incessantly after being outside.
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“After walking in areas that have been gritted, make sure to bathe your dog with warm, soapy water to remove any debris."
Antifreeze is also a hazard to dogs during periods of cold weather.Ms Webb added: “Being aware of products like antifreeze on urban pavements and salt/grit is important as it’s toxic to dogs.Many dogs have a condition nicknamed “Frito Feet,” in which their feet smell little bit like corn chips. As Matt Soniak wrote in a Big Question on this site, this has to do with the kind of bacteria found on a pup’s feet, and “could be due to yeast or Proteus bacteria. Both are known for their sweet, corn tortilla–like smell. Or it could be Pseudomonas bacteria, which smell a little fruitier—but pretty close to popcorn to most noses.”
“It also burns their paw pads, so bathing your dog’s paws post walk, gently drying them, eliminates any worries”.