4 Tips for walking your dog this winter

A short harness and leash, cleaning the legs of antifreeze residue, and drying the dog when it gets home are tricks for safe walks this winter

The cold and snow also pose dangers for dogs . Did you know that dogs also get colds and that they can get sick due to low winter temperatures? Luckily, there are tips and tricks to protect your dogs this winter and walk safely despite the cold. Any ideas? Use a harness and short leash , use coats and boots, clean the legs of antifreeze residues, as they are toxic, and dry the animal very well when you get home.

1. Ice? Be careful because the dog is in danger!

Walks in snowy areas love dogs . The reason is that the snow transforms the entire landscape into a new environment, all of it to be discovered. These outings, however, involve certain risks that must be known. One of them, the icy surfaces so slippery for the dog.

“When we walk with the dog in winter, we must avoid icy areas, such as lakes or ice puddles. We do not know if the ice will support the weight of the dog , so it represents a huge danger for the animal,”

2. In winter, protect the dog with a leash

In winter, harnesses are very useful to walk the dog safely. A trick for a safe ride in the snow? Never walk without a leash with the dog, as this rope can be life insurance for him. “Animals do not always know which part of the ground is solid or when the ice is a risk, so it is best not to let the dog off the leash and avoid dangerous areas.

A short leash will also help to be closer to the dog, to control it better and to be able to stop it in case it is in danger. A slip on the ice or a thin layer of ice are certain risks for the four-legged friend. Therefore, you should avoid stretch straps, which provide little control.

3. Hot dogs in winter: watch out for waiting

Each season has its own dangers for dogs. And winter is no less. The guideline is to ensure that the dog is always warm and protected . This article is also important when walking into a store to run an errand or a quick purchase. “Something as simple as leaving the dog outside waiting, sitting on the cold floor, can make it cold, give it a cold or make arthritis worse.

What to do if you shiver Without wasting time, it is important to get the dog to regain lost heat. The best thing to do is to go home, use a warm blanket and dry any moisture that sticks to the fur of the four-legged friend.

4. Cold? Antifreeze is a danger to dogs

Winter forces you to take special care of the dog’s legs. And not only to protect them from the cold, because you also have to protect them from poisons such as antifreeze. This product, so used to protect car engines from the cold, often falls to the ground. The problem? The antifreeze liquid is very toxic to the dog. “A little bit of antifreeze on the paws can be life threatening from poisoning to the dog if it sucks on the paws,” explains veterinarian Ross Allan . The advice? Always clean your furry friend’s paws when you get home.