Snow offers dogs lots of fun. Jumping into snowbanks, catching snowflakes, making dog "angels", tasting snow ... to keep the fun from turning into trouble, you need to keep everything moderation and watch out for certain.
Perhaps you're familiar with it, many dogs go wild in snow. They run here and there, jump, stick their snout in it. Then there are dogs that start tasting the snow as soon as they see it and you can't tear them away from it. There are also dogs that refuse to walk into the snow.
If your dog loves eating snow, it's best to limit their intake. If a command or distraction don't work, you should reach for a muzzle. Excessive intake of snow can result in nausea (many dogs vomit from it), as well as a stomach cold and inflammation.
To prevent their paws from cracking, lubricate them with a special impregnating cream in winter; it will protect the bottom of their paws from salt and gravel. When you get home, wash their paws and apply balm for dog paws. If you don't want to deal with this, just get your dog some shoes. I've written more about taking care of dogs' paws here.
Of course, it depends on the breed of the dog and the conditions in which it lives, but for most dogs who live at home all year round it's best to buy them some clothes so they don't catch a cold in the snow. The thermal shock they experience every time they leave their heated home is truly great, and their body does not manage to acclimatize quickly enough to outside conditions. Especially small dogs should always have clothes.
If your dog likes jumping and playing in the snow, it would be a shame to deprive him of such fun. But don't let him play for too long so he doesn't get cold. Especially long fur is prone to the formation of frosty lumps. It's best to alternate this fun with a run so your dog can warm up before jumping into the snow again.
Fortunately, frostbite is quite rare. It usually affects the paws, ears and the tip of their tail. Dogs may get frostbite if they stay out in the cold for too long. The risk increases if they don't move. So you don't have to worry under normal conditions. Standing on a metal surface for a while can also result in frostbite, so it's best to avoid them.
If you're planning a long trip, consider bringing a heating pad with you. You can heat it in a microwave and it will stay warm for up to 12 hours. If you don't happen upon a shelter on your way, or a mountain cottage where your dog can relax in the warmth for a while, a heating pad can be a great emergency option.
How are you enjoying the winter with your pets? Do you love snowy days, or do you prefer to stay in the warmth of your home? Do you have any tips that help you care for your dog in winter? I hope you enjoy the snow and make it through all the winter fun unharmed. Take care of yourself and your dogs, and have sensible fun.
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
