When is it too cold to walk your dog? Here’s how best to prepare your pets
As temperatures drop rapidly in the UK, it’s important to consider the welfare of our animal friends.
It is very important for owners to prepare their dogs for the cold, just like themselves.
From dietary adjustments to basic care, these considerations will help your four-legged friends stay safe and well this winter.
Keep your paws groomed
Pawpaws are very sensitive to temperature changes, so try to give them more care and attention this winter.
“Watch for any sores, cracks or cuts,” advises pet expert and head of UK operations Charlie Soames Pets4Homes. “If you notice any of these, use a moisturizer or dog paw cream to keep them healthy.
“You can also invest in dog boots to keep your dog’s paws warm and protected.”
Keep your dog warm
“Make sure your dog is the right temperature, especially if they are a smaller breed,” says Training and Development Manager Robbie Bryant. Open Study CollegeA distance education provider offering courses on animal care.
“Keep a warm, insulated bed off the floor and away from drafty areas like doors,” she adds.
“Giving them extra blankets will also help them stay warm on winter nights.”
Buy them a jacket
“If you’re reaching for your jacket when it’s time for a walk, make sure your dog is bundled up, too,” says Soames.
“Some dogs have less body fat and are less stamina than others, so they will need extra help to stay warm.
“Dog fur is often a valuable item to keep on hand when the mercury drops.”
Beware of winter dangers
Antifreeze is great for quickly de-icing your car, but be sure to keep it out of reach of your pets.
“Rock salt is a danger to dogs because it can irritate their paws and upset their stomachs if swallowed,” Bryant warns. “Also, antifreeze is tasty and toxic to dogs.”
shovel the garden
“If it snows this year, consider shoveling a patch of grass so your dog can go to the bathroom comfortably and not get too cold,” says Bryant.
Try to avoid overfeeding them
“Feeding your dog properly is also important to protect him from the cold in the winter, but be careful not to overfeed him,” says Soames. “The winter months can cause your dog to decrease the amount of activity he gets and cause him to gain weight.”
Keep them active
Play fetch in the living room to keep your dog active.
“If your dog doesn’t want to go out in the cold, keep him active inside,” Bryant says. “Provide them with lots of toys to play with and keep them busy to prevent boredom.”
make them visible
As the days are noticeably shorter and darker at this time of year, make sure your dog stands out and is visible to other walkers and road users.
“Attach a light to your dog’s collar so he can be seen when walking at night or early in the morning,” Bryant advises. “Alongside this, make sure your dog has an excellent memory to ensure he can come back to you whenever you want and avoid getting lost.”
