Don’t let your pooch eat the snow
Although it may be tempting for your pooch to munch on the appealing snow, this could be dangerous for their health. Not only can it lower the bodys temperature which can cause serious hypothermia, but it can also contain sharp objects or harmful chemicals, such as melting salt.
Keep dogs away from antifreeze, salt and other dangerous chemicals
It’s common for salt or antifreeze to be used to melt ice on the ground, however these toxic chemicals could be fatal for dogs if ingested. Antifreeze in particular has a sweet taste that can attract pups, so avoid walking through areas with puddles of spilled-over antifreeze, and rinse their paws as soon as you get in. This is to prevent them from licking their paws and ingesting harmful chemicals.
Similarly, salt grit used to dissolve snow can irritate your dog’s skin, and may cause burns on paws after prolonged contact. There are pet-safe alternatives though if youre wondering how to remove ice from a driveway.
Can dogs walk in snow without shoes?
In the summer, you need to be careful that the hot pavement doesn’t burn your dog’s paws and cause serious damage. Although this isn’t a problem in the winter, it’s possible that the cold ground could leave their paws sore and at risk of accidents.
For instance, exposure to cold surfaces can cause your dog’s paws to become painful, and if snow and ice gets stuck in their paws, it can be even more uncomfortable and harder to remove.
Another potential danger to your dog’s paws is the salt. Used to defrost roads and pavements, salt is an effective solution, but if it gets stuck to a dog’s paws, it can cause an unpleasant stinging sensation. Not only that, but if your dog licks up this salt, it could damage their insides.
It can be difficult to tell whether or not your dog would benefit from using shoes. If they’re nipping into the garden to answer the call of nature or if you’re taking them for a brief walk and have already checked that the path you’ll be taking is clear, your dog may not need boots.
Walking Dogs in the Winter – 10 Tips For Caring For Your Dog This Winter
For those of us living in places where winter means snow, walking dogs outside becomes a big challenge. Snow presents new obstacles that make things difficult — and sometimes dangerous — for dogs.
As the winter season approaches, make sure you’re keeping your dog safe and as comfortable as possible on cold, snowy walks.
During my time as a professional dog walker in Chicago, I experienced the downsides of a Midwest winter firsthand, and I’ve come up with some tips for pet parents and their pups to stay safe in the snow.
Do you take your pup on snowy walks in the winter? What other tips do you have for walking your dog in the snow? Let us know in the comments below!