Living in Canada, we get to experience all that winter has
to offer. While the snow can provide from some great fun, we do have to make
sure our pets are protected during extreme weather. We’ve already had some
great windstorms that downed trees and fences. The following tips will prepare
you and your pets as winter approaches and the cold sets in.
Keep Paws Protected
Salt and cold can damage your
pet’s paws, causing pain and discomfort. There are a couple of options to
protect their paws so you can continue to enjoy winter walks.
Boots (recommended brands: Ruffwear or
Muttluks)
Pros
- Protects your dog's paws from the elements
Cons
- It’s difficult to get a proper fit, resulting in the loss of boots
- Most dogs don’t like them so there is some training involved in the introduction of boots
A tip from Canada’s Dog Trainer on how to condition your dog to wear boots
Paw Wax (Invisible Boot) *Available
at Domestic Carnivore*
Pros
- Protects your dog's paws from the elements
- Dogs don't mind walking with the wax on
- Safe for dogs to lick
- Lasts for the entire walk
Cons
- Does not protect against sharp ice or objects
- Takes some time to apply for full coverage of the paw pads and in between the toes
Keep Your Pets Warm
While some dogs have a built-in
winter coat, others may benefit from a fabric coat to keep them warm. In
extreme temperatures, you may need to adjust your walks to ensure your pet
doesn’t suffer from cold-related illnesses.
I recommend Chilly Dog coats for
warmth and durability. They are made in Ottawa, Ontario and they provide
excellent cold weather protection. Chilly Dogs, like many pet coats add
reflective piping for better visibility at night. (http://www.chillydogs.ca)
Bodhi is a Hungarian Vizsla with
thin skin and short fur. Her snowsuit keeps her cozy in the cold.
Make Yourself and
Your Pet Visible
With the days becoming shorter,
make sure drivers can see you and your pet by wearing reflective clothing and
lights. Cross streets and even driveways with caution, making sure the drivers
see you. For people, flashing bicycle lights or headlamps provide that extra
bit of visibility. Headlamps also double as a locating device for your pet’s
stool. For your dog, lit collars and leashes are a fantastic addition to their
wardrobe.
Layla proudly wears her
GLOWDOGGIE collar on walks. It’s also 100% waterproof so you can stay safe all
year round. We’ve received several thanks over the past few years from pedestrians
and drivers for making her visible. (http://www.glowdoggie.ca)
Watch the Ice!
Ice is fun for winter sports, but it can also be dangerous while walking with our pets. A simple slip can result in a serious injury for both parties. Having a dog that is trained to walk in heel is a huge step towards winter safety. Shoe spikes are also a great investment for your own safety. These simple to use accessories wrap around your boot and provide great traction while you walk.
For your dog, a slip on the ice can cause an injury, but they can also cut their paws on jagged pieces of ice. Boots can help to provide traction and prevent cuts. When the ice is bad, I would recommend staying indoors and mentally stimulating your dog to tire them out.
For your dog, a slip on the ice can cause an injury, but they can also cut their paws on jagged pieces of ice. Boots can help to provide traction and prevent cuts. When the ice is bad, I would recommend staying indoors and mentally stimulating your dog to tire them out.
Do Not Leave Your Dog
Outside or Locked in a Car During Extreme Temperatures
Even if your dog has a naturally
thick winter coat that makes you jealous, they are not suited for prolonged exposure
to extreme weather. Even double-coated breeds have sensitive paws, ears, and
noses that can be frostbitten in the cold. Monitor your dog outside to ensure
they are safe and happy.
Amelia loves the winter and she’s
able to enjoy the snow while her mommy keeps an eye on her. In this photo, she was eating a turkey neck when a mini snowstorm came around. I imagine this is right up there on Amelia's favourite day's list.
Keep Your Dog on Leash
Never allow your dog off-leash in
the front yard during snowstorms, even if they have reliable recall. Dogs have
difficulty with understanding their boundaries when the ground is covered with snow. They become disoriented with strange scents and impaired vision and can easily wander into harm's way. Remember that drivers
can’t see over the snow banks and their braking ability is compromised on slippery
roads.
If you do allow your dog
off-leash, make sure you are in a dedicated leash free area. There are many
areas with secure fencing to allow your dog to run freely.
Our dogs rely on us to keep them safe all year round. Follow
these tips to ensure you and your dog gets the most out of the winter season. If you have
a favourite winter activity, share it with us so we can let others know.
Domestic Carnivore
244 Governors Road
Dundas, Ontario
L9H 3K2
Phone: 289-238-8000
Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/domesticcarnivore