Did you know that January is Walk Your Pet Month? Dogs probably come to mind first when you think of walking a pet. We all know how much Fido loves his daily strolls! Of course, taking Fido around the block in winter isn’t quite as much fun as it is in summertime. Actually, cold weather can be quite dangerous for Man’s Best Friend! Here, an Aurora, CO vet offers some safety tips for walking your dog in winter.
Frozen Water
Don’t let your canine companion get too close to frozen bodies of water. You don’t want to take a chance on Fido running out onto thin ice! Riverbanks are very dangerous for dogs in winter.
Night Safety
Because it gets dark so early in winter, you’ll probably be taking your pooch out at night quite often. Wear reflective gear, and always bring a cell phone and flashlight with you. If you take your furry friend along the side of a road, keep Fido to the outside: he’ll be harder for drivers to see. Ask your vet for more safety tips.
Paw Care
Fido’s furry feet are actually quite delicate. Dogs can get painful blisters and abrasions from walking on snow, ice, sand, and salt. Chemical de-icing products can also be hard on your pup’s paws. Choose pet-safe deicing products, and use paw balm or wax to protect your dog’s feet. We also recommend washing your canine pal’s paws down with a damp washcloth every day. Last but not least, keep your four-legged friend’s nails neatly trimmed: long nails can make it hard for dogs to get traction on slippery surfaces.
Fresh Snow
Fresh fallen snow can hide dangerous objects, like cut glass. Be very careful when walking your four-legged pal just after a snowfall! Try to keep Fido on soft surfaces as much as possible.
Clothing
Your pooch may have a fur coat on, but he’s still susceptible to the effects of cold weather. If your canine buddy has thin fur, he may need some doggy clothes to keep him warm in wintertime. When shopping for Fido, avoid anything that is tight or constricting. You also want to stay away from anything with zippers or small pieces, like buttons.
Please reach out to us for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. As your Aurora, CO vet clinic, we are here to help!
