Tips For Walking In A Winter Wonderland

  Posted on December 13, 2012  by Joy of Living  No comments

So…the winter winds are beginning to blow.  It’s cold outside.  The last thing you probably want to do is go outside just to get the mail, let alone take a walk. However, just as physical fitness is good for you, it is also good for your dog.  Just take a few things into consideration before heading outdoors with your pet, and you can still add some fun and fitness into your life during these dark and cold months.

If you have a medium or large-size dog, they are usually more tolerant of colder weather and can stay outside a bit longer than their smaller counterparts. However, do limit their time outdoors in the bitter cold, as, just like you humans, they can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia.

Longer-haired and double-haired dogs can stay outdoors longer than the short-haired ones.  Make sure to put a sweater or jacket on your short-haired dogs, and if you want to protect your pet’s feet from the snow, ice, and salt, put some booties on him.  They will love you for it.

Even though you will probably not be able to go for the long walks you enjoy in warmer weather, it is still important to get out and get the blood moving for at least a few minutes.  Just be sure to gently wipe your dog’s paws upon coming home, especially if he has walked in snow and ice.  That can hurt, and so can any salt used to melt the ice if it gets stuck in his paws.

Just simply take a few precautions. If it is too cold for you, then it is too cold for your dog, but if you can tolerate the cold air briefly, then by all means, let your dog go out with you! Who knows?  He may enjoy a romp in the snow!

Have fun preparing for the holidays!  Stay warm! Stay fit! Stay tuned for more fun information in 2013!