Snow doesn’t just excite humans; dogs love to play in the snow too. You can’t help but feel amused with the unbridled joy you will see in your dog when you let them out to play in the fresh snow. However, snow and ice can be really dangerous for your dog, at least in terms of their health and wellbeing.
To make sure that your dog is protected from the snow and ice, there are a number of steps that you can take. To help you take better care of your dog, we have listed some tips below.
1. Inspect Their Paws Regularly
The paws of your dog are most susceptible to getting affected by snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. To protect your dog from snow and ice and ensure your dog’s wellbeing, you must inspect their paws regularly for cracks, cuts, and signs of abrasion so that you can attend to them at the right time.
2. Trim Their Paw Hair
Patches of hair between the toes and pads are common in dogs. While they might look endearing to you, they pose a serious risk for your dog. Snow can get stuck in these hairs and form ice clogs. In such a situation, your dog gets put at a serious risk of frostbite. To make sure your dog doesn’t get frostbite, trim back the paw hair in winter months.
3. Set Up An Entryway
To protect your dog from snow and ice, you should consider setting up an entryway for your dog. Keep towels and mats at the entryway so that you can dry your dog as soon as it returns after playing in the snow.
4. Clear The Porch
Just like humans, dogs can slip on snow and ice. If your dog slips and falls on the ice, it could end up rupturing a ligament or spraining its limbs. Therefore, to keep your dog safe and sound during the snowy season, you should keep your porch clear of any snow or ice. You should use ice melters that are safe for dogs, or you could apply sand on your porch and steps so that the surface doesn’t stay slippery.
5. Consider Dog Shoes, Booties, and Socks
If you find it hard to keep your dog indoors most of the time and you’re concerned it might end up getting hurt or sick, you should consider getting it dog shoes, dog booties, or dog socks. They are specially made for dogs to keep their paws protected from the cold.
6. Use Paw Balm
Before you let your dog out in the snow, apply paw balm. This balm will keep your dog’s paws moisturized and will also protect it against damage that the snow can cause. Also, moisturized paws are less susceptible to cracks and cuts
Dogs love it when you let them go outdoors and play to their heart’s content. With the right protective measures, your dog will stay protected from snow and ice. After all, a happy dog means a happy you!
Take advantage of our Winter Suite Specials, $35 per night, per dog with FREE day school. We also have Private lesson for home dog training. We offer grooming to spoil your dog too.
