What About Backyard Time?
Spending time in the yard is also a great way for your dog to get outside, but you don’t want to rely on your backyard as the sole source of outdoor exposure unless you’re actively exercising together by playing games such as fetch or working on agility courses.
Going for daily walks to switch up the scenery is important for physical and mental stimulation. In fact, lots of bad habits in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy which leads to stress.
You also shouldn’t keep your dog isolated for too long—you don’t want him to dig up your yard as a result of boredom or separation anxiety. If your dog is chewing up your pillows and furniture inside, sending him outside isn’t a productive way to deal with the problem. Instead, try to identify the reason behind the destructive habits. If Fido is acting out due to anxiety, it may be time for crate training; allow your dog to isolate himself to a safe space by choice, rather than banishing him to the backyard.
Dogs, just like humans, can get chilly when the temperature starts to drop. We can layer on scarves, coats, hats, and gloves, but dogs don’t really have access to winter accessories the way we do—or they just refuse to wear them. If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to know your dog’s limits and how you can keep them safe and warm. Make sure to memorize these other important tips for keeping your pets safe in the winter.
Benefits of Daily Walks
Walking your dog every day is important for several reasons. For starters, it’s an easy way to make sure you and your dog are both getting your daily dose of exercise, which will help to control your pup’s weight.
As dogs get older, their joints will naturally become stiffer. Being active every day is a great way to help keep those joints loose and prevent further mobility issues. Combine daily walks with PetHonesty’s Hemp Mobility Chews to provide even more joint health support!
Moving the body helps to keep the digestive system moving, too. Regular exercise, regular diets, and regular digestion are ideal for your routine-loving dog. If your dog needs some extra digestive help, PetHonesty’s Digestive Probiotics Chews regulates the digestive system and promotes intestinal health.
Those frequent pee breaks aren’t just because Fido needs to relieve himself—it’s actually part of how dogs communicate. Leaving urine markings is a way of leaving “messages” for other dogs around the neighborhood. That constant sniffing is just another way for your dog to explore and communicate with the world around him.
Daily walks are also a good way to socialize your dog, especially if you stop to chat with others along the way, or make your way to a local dog park. Of course, daily walks together are simply a great opportunity for bonding time between the two of you. Your dog loves any chance to spend time with his favorite person!
How Often Should I Walk My Dog? Good Dog Tube
Pongo sits in the snow on a cold January day. With the coldest air this season arriving midweek, area vets provided tips to keep your animals safe. (Maura Zurick, cleveland.com)NEW!6,387shares
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Northeast Ohioans are expected to endure the coldest temperatures so far this winter later this week, which means residents will be warming their cars up earlier, wearing a few more layers and spending even less time outside.
But what about our four-legged companions who have to brave the outdoors to get exercise and to relieve themselves? Local veterinarians we spoke with stressed how vital it is to keep your pets safe in sub-zero conditions.
“Frostbite and hypothermia are the two biggest threats facing pets in cold weather, which is made worse with temperatures less than zero degrees,” said Beth Malinich, doctor of veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Fairview Park.
“They can die from hypothermia, just like people can,” said Steven Hicks, doctor of veterinary medicine at Akron-Medina Veterinary Hospital. “They won’t die from frostbite, but as the tissue dies from the cold it can get infected and lead to secondary problems too.”
Dog owners need to look out for warning signs while their dogs are outside, according to Malinich.
Dogs standing still or lying down, which could mean their body temperature is getting too low.
“If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm location or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside,” said Jennifer Coates, doctor of veterinary medicine, reported by petmd.com.
Regardless of how severe the weather-related issues appear to be, it’s important to provide your pet with the proper care.
“If it’s mild you can gently warm them up,” said Malinich. “If you think it’s severe, if the area is getting red or it feels hard like it’s already frozen, you should contact your veterinarian.”
Here is a breakdown by Malinich of how long it’s safe for dogs to be outdoors when frigid air moves in.
In cold temperatures 20 degrees and above: Large dogs (50-80 pounds) should be outside no more than one minute per degree. Medium dogs (25-50 pounds) can be outside for 30 seconds per degree. Small dogs (15-25 pounds) can only withstand 15 seconds per degree and extra small dogs (less than 15 pounds) 7 seconds per degree.
At 10 degrees or colder, the guidelines are cut in half. In 10-degree weather a large dog can be outside for five minutes, medium dogs for two to three minutes and any smaller than that “carry them outside, let them go to the bathroom, and bring them right back in,” said Malinich.
The temperature isn’t the only factor in determining how cold is too cold for your dog to be outside. Wind chill decreases dog fur’s ability to insulate. Dampness in the air can more quickly chill a dog and cloud cover can inhibit the sun’s warmth reaching your pet, according to Coates, reported by petmd.com.
Time outside will also depend on the dog’s breed and what type of weather they’re naturally suited to endure.
“I tell people that if you have heavy-coated dogs, like a Husky or an Akita, they certainly can stay outside longer. They’re geared for colder weather,” said Malinich. “If you have a thinner-coated dog that doesn’t have a heavy undercoat, that would be like us walking outside in a T-shirt. Those dogs should definitely have a jacket of some type on or they shouldn’t be outside very long.”
If you’re looking to get your dog some cold-weather gear, you can find boots and jackets at local pet stores, outdoor shops and online. Be warned though, it may take your dog some to get used to wearing them.
“Pick whatever works for that individual,” said Malinich. “Most dogs are not fans of any sort of boot but some dogs can be trained to wear them so practicing before the bad weather is a good idea.”
The bottom line: “In these single-digit temperatures, dogs should not be left outside — period,” said Hicks. “If it’s too cold for us to be out in it, it’s too cold for dogs to be out in it.”