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.
.jpg/30x20/FIT)
.jpg/600x400/FIT)
Summer months bring hot weather and also holidays. What sort of nutrition do animals require during this period? Is it necessary to change their diet on hot days? And what is most important during hot temperatures? We have discussed this topic with...
.jpg/30x20/FIT)
.jpg/600x400/FIT)
Despite being self-reliant animals to a certain extent, cats are provided with the best possible care by their owners who make sure that those balls of fluff are content in any circumstances. What is required by cats that live with us in a flat? And...
Everyone should have their own place where they can relax in peace. This also applies to animals. Rats, for example, who are very sociable and in nature live in large groups, usually have their own place where they can recharge by the side of their...
They help with searches in avalanches, debris and large wooded areas in inaccessible terrain. They save valuable minutes that can make the difference in whether an injured person survives. One canine rescuer makes up for up to 20 people, especially at...
The tradition of rescuer dogs has been a staple in the Czech Republic for almost a century, and our country ranks among the top European leaders in this discipline. Canine rescuers help in the mountains not only in winter, but throughout the whole...
Today, there are a number of products and gadgets for riding with a dog, which will ensure that we can take the dog with us safely on longer journeys. However, you should pay attention to driving safety even if you only drive a few kilometers. Even...
Dog agility is a discipline that means a lot of exercise for both the dogs and the handlers, but also a lot of fun. In addition, it strengthens the relationship between the owner and the animal, and also allows the dog to learn new skills. Another...
Rabbits are great pets for all who live in flats, but cannot afford a cat, or just want to have a cheerful companion who won’t let you down and can handle being alone at the same time. Still, there are certain factors you should think about before...
In most cases, cats love being in nature and active, so it comes as no surprise that felines living in houses and flats may occasionally want to go out and explore the world. If you have such a cat at home, you may find useful the following tips on...
Czech cynologists from the Search and Rescue Czech Republic team have managed to train eight dogs who can tell if you have COVID-19. Detecting the disease is a worldwide problem, which is also recognized by VAFO, who supported the project financially...
As the title suggests, this breed comes from the State of Maine in the United States. It is one of the oldest breeds living in nature, the largest domesticated breed, gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. There are several reasons for this....
We have already introduced dogfrisbee, the activity in which a dog catches a frisbee, several times. We focused mainly on various disciplines in which dog owners can compete together with their canine companions at any level. Another such discipline...
