Tag Archive for: cold

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks Header

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

Protecting your dogs paws on winter walks is important to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter season. But how do you protect their paws? Here are a few tips to protect those paws.

1. Paw Wax

There are many different types of paw wax out there but one I enjoy is Musher’s Secret. It’s also great to use on dry elbows!

Musher’s Secret is a paw wax made from natural food-grade waxes and oils designed to condition and protect your pet’s paws. Yes! This also works on cats. It’s fast=drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining which are huge pluses. You can also use it during the summer to add another layer of protection to your pets paws when out for walks in case you have to cross any hot pavement.

Buy Musher’s Secret on Amazon

2. Dog Boots

Dog boots take some time getting used to but can protect your dogs paws from more than paw wax can. There are numerous types of dog boots out there so make sure to do research before purchasing to determine if they’re a suitable fit for you and your dog.

Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots

Buy Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots on Ruffwear

Buy Pawz Dog Boots on Amazon

3. Wipe Those Paws…

When you dog comes in from a walk, make sure to wipe their paws off to get rid of any ice melt and other debris that may have gotten in between their toes. You can use a wet paper towel or any dog grooming wipe.

4. Or Try a Portable Paw Washer

You should still wipe your dogs paws when they come inside but if you know you’ll be out for awhile, consider a portable paw washer. Ideal for mud this will also work on some winter debris. This one comes in three sizes. Just make sure to bring a towel with you.

Buy Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer on Amazon

5. Check Surroundings

Besides waxes and boots you should be vigilant when walking your dog. This will help you avoid encountering potential hazards. Some things to note are:

  • Don’t walk in front of stores: Most stores don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Non pet-safe ice melt is toxic to pets.
  • Stick to a known path: This can help you avoid any holes/gaps that may be hidden by snow.
  • Avoid ice: Ice is slippery for both you and your canine. Walking around ice patches you see can prevent a fall.

Were any of these tips helpful? Let us know if we missed anything and how you protect your dogs paws on winter walks in the comments below.

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter Header

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

Pets love to be warm in the winter. Here are some ways to help keep them warm.

1. Heated Bed/Blanket/Pad

I have a heated bed and let me tell you, it’s wonderful in the winter. I can climb into a warm bed and when I wake up I’m nice and toasty. Honestly makes it hard to get out of bed. I also know that my pets love it as well. So much so that I have three heated blankets, two heated pads, and a heated cat bed for them to use year-round if they so desire. They understand that if they lay on any of them when I notice I’ll turn it on for them.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed 20″ on Amazon @ $92.99

K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Kitty Mat Reversible Cat Bed on Amazon, Starting @ $25.35

There are lots of different brands to choose from but most of the ones I own are from K&H. You can find their dog products here.

2. Keep that heated bed off the floor and away from drafts

The floor is cold, especially if it isn’t carpeted and drafts are no fun either. Even if your pet bed isn’t heated, make sure it stays off the floor and away from

3. Or add another blanket

Not only does adding another blanket provide additional comfort it provides warmth. Any blanket will do, it doesn’t have to be pet specific. If you do want a pet specific blanket, Tall Tails makes super soft ones.

4. Sweaters

Not all pets like sweaters but if yours does, great! Sweaters are a cute way to add an extra layer of warmth to your pet especially when they’re outside. They make sweaters for all sizes of dogs so you’re sure to find one on the market that fits. Go check out the ones on Amazon, Canada Pooch, or Chilly Dog Sweaters.

5. Don’t shave down to the skin

Cats and dogs are built to withstand some cold temperatures. Some breeds were even designed for it like Huskies. Don’t shave your pet down to their skin during winter as this will remove the warm, protective layer fur provides against the cold.

6. Wipe off paws when your pets come back inside

You know what it’s like to have the snow get into your boot and soak your sock. Imagine if you weren’t able to take off your boots and socks? Whenever your pet comes in from the snow, make sure to wipe their paws off to remove and ice and snow. If you’ve just come in from a walk, this is always a great idea in case they have gotten any ice melt on their paws.

7. If it’s too cold for you it’s probably too cold for your pets

Even if your dog enjoys being out in the snow or is stubborn to come in, if temperatures drop too low your pet can freeze. Make sure you keep track of how long your dog has been outside and keep an eye on them to notice if they start becoming disoriented. Always let them back inside when they want to be let back inside. If you know your dog doesn’t like snow, keep trips outside to a minimum.

New to Northern Colorado and not used to snow? Read up on our cold weather precautions for pets.

Cold Weather Precautions for Pets

 

With winter weather upon us, we need to ensure we are taking care to ensure our pets are properly protected against the cold weather and elements. Many things are simply overlooked by pet owners however there are something’s that are not understood by us humans. Yes…..pets do get cold. They feel the cold and they do suffer from cold environments.

admin-ajaxPlease, take a moment to read some tips for cold weather precautions and how to keep your pet safe and warm this winter season:

  • Caution with the Salt. Many snow laden cities utilize salt in order to melt frozen snow. Please note that this is very irritating to your pet’s paws. So when taking Fido for a walk, please make sure you don’t parade him thru salted areas. If he does get some on his paws, wipe them up when you return home.
  • Keep your pet hydrated. They will still require a lot of water during the winter months. They burn a large amount of energy in an effort to keep warm. Access to water all year is a must. If your pet is outside for a few hours, leave the water but remember to not put the water in a metal bowl as it will cause your pet’s tongue to stick and freeze to that surface.
  • Pets love to be indoors, despite what some humans think. Fido is not at his happiest when he is locked outside, especially when it is freezing out. Yes, dogs love walks and parks and playing but if you’re with them! Don’t leave your pup outside in the cold. Wind-chill can threaten your dog’s life and he can suffer frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Antifreeze is a NO NO! Please pay close attention to any that may be lurking on the ground. It tastes sweet and will lure your pet towards it. Clean it up! It is toxic to ALL animals.
  • Provide your dog with a warm place to sleep. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, some well-intentioned pet owners forget that a tile or linoleum floor or heck, even a carpeted floor is simply not enough sometimes. The floors are extremely cold and are especially troublesome for a senior pet.

These are just a few cold weather precautions to keep your pet safe as the temperature drops. So as you are getting your house, your car and your family ready for the cold weather, stop and think about your pets! And remember, cold weather usually means New Years and fireworks are right around the corner. Here are some Fireworks Safety Tips to keep in mind.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Tell us – what are you doing this year to keep your pet safe from the cold?

Tips To Get Your Dog To Go Outside in the Cold_Header

Tips to Get Your Dog to Go Outside in the Cold

Tips To Get Your Dog To Go Outside in the Cold_Header

 

 
We all know it’s not very pleasant to use a cold bathroom in the middle of winter.  So, it’s no surprise to know that our dogs feel the same discomfort when it’s cold outside.  Often dogs refuse to go potty outside in the cold or rain. This causes them to hold it all day and have accidents in the house.  This is harmful to your pet and not to mention bad for your rugs, that’s why we have a few tricks to get you through!
 
Want to watch this blog instead of read? Check out our video below.

Top 3 Tips to Get Your Dog to Go Outside in the Cold

Shovel a Spot

Uncover a small grassy area for them to use, it should be big enough for them to turn around a few times and sniff the area.  It’s best to do this in an area that they have used before. They will get the “green light” to go if they can pick up the scent of past potties. Also, make sure to bundle them up in jackets and sweaters that fit snug to avoid accidents.  You may want to invest in little booties for them as well for days where the ground is frozen.

Is your dog already a pro at going outside in the cold? Need an extra hand during those mid-day potty breaks? We have recommended schedules for dogs.

 

Give Out Treats

You can help train your dog to go on command by using cue words such as “Go Potty or Time to Go”. Cue words help them know when it’s time to potty.  In my house, we say, “Let’s go do a good boy” to let our dog Rigsby know when it’s time head out for a bathroom break.   Once you use the verbal cues, make sure to dole out treats. It may be cold for you outside as well but stand right next to them to hand them out as soon as they go.  Don’t until they return to the doorway. They may think they treat is because they are coming to you and not because of the potty break.  

brown and black long coated small dog

c: tamasp

Make an Indoor Potty Place

What if the weather is terrible outside for weeks and your dog refuses to use potty outside? You can make an indoor bathroom for your dog. Be aware that if you do this, it can be very hard for them to be house trained to use the bathroom outside again.
 
It does, make sense for some families to set up an exercise pen or baby gate in the garage/laundry room. This makes a special area for them use. Put real grass bathroom patches or a pee pad in the area. Your dog will know that they have a safe space to use in the home and leave your carpets safe from accidents.
 
It can be hard on pets and pet parents in the winter months. Following these tips will help you get through until spring. Don’t forget to let us know any tips that work for you in the comments!
How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?_Header

How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?

How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?_Header

Winter does not have to put a damper on you and your dog’s activities, but how do you know when it is too cold outside? Dog walks provide health benefits when done in the proper conditions. There are a variety of factors that influence when it is too cold to walk your dogs. Here are some general guidelines.

 

Want to learn more in video format? Check out the video below.

Factors

There are a few factors to account for when determining if it’s too cold to walk your dog. They are fur length, size and body condition, and health conditions. As with all of these, make sure you are following general winter weather precautions.

Fur Length

What type and length of fur your dog has can impact how tolerant to cold he is. Short haired or shaved dogs have less fur to protect them from the cold and wind. Which means, they do not tolerate winter walks as well. For shorter haired dogs, do not walk them outside when the temperature is below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) without a coat or sweater. Long and thick haired dogs are more tolerant to the cold. These dogs can handle walks outside in the cold, but these walks should be short.

Size and Body Condition

Small dogs tend to have a harder time adjusting to the cold. This is because they are closer to the ground and generally have short hair. These dogs should not walk outside in temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with a sweater or coat.

Larger dogs are higher off the ground and tend to have more healthy body fat compared to smaller dogs. This helps larger dogs be more tolerant to the cold.

Body condition is also an important factor in determining how cold is too cold. Fat helps insulate the body and keep your dog warm. Many dogs, particularly hunting dogs, have fat under their skin. This is why labs can jump into freezing lakes. For this reason, dogs who are underweight should not be outside for extended periods of time in the cold.

brown short coated dog wearing red and white polka dot shirt sitting on snow covered ground

Health Conditions

Many health conditions impact how your dog will react to the cold. When the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs with arthritis or dogs with hip dysplasia should only be walked for short periods of time. The cold tends to exacerbate these conditions and will make your dog extra sore and grumpy. Other health conditions, like thyroid issues, affect your dog’s ability to regulate his body temperature. Dogs with these conditions should not be walked for long periods of time in the cold. Talk to your vet to see if any health conditions your dog has can be affected by the cold.

Ways to Make the Cold Better

You should never send your dog outside if it’s too cold but what if you have to. If you must go outside with your dog make sure you are in and out as quick as possible. You should supervise your dog the entire time. Also consider getting some of the following items to make the bitter cold less bitter.

Conclusion

There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding how cold is too cold to walk your dog. In general, use caution when the temperature is below freezing. Keep walks short and brisk to help prevent your dog from getting too cold. Always be aware of other winter weather dangers, such as ice and sidewalk salt.