Year round exercise is great for dogs, but there are some things to keep in mind.
- If it is too cold for you to be outside, chances are your dog shouldn’t be out for extended periods of time, either.
- Road salt is not only brutal for the environment, it’s not great for animals, either. Remember it is high in sodium, so ingesting it can cause increased water intake and vomiting.
- Dogs can get snow and ice stuck to the hair on their feet, causing irritations and cuts to the bottom of their feet. It can also cause acute limping. Have a towel handy to wipe their feet after they come in.
- Most dog breeds did not originate in cold weather countries. For example, Maltese were bred in the Mediterranean, so these New England winters are a shock for them. It is OK to put coats/sweaters on them for a walk outside. Most dogs won’t appreciate wearing boots, so don’t push the issue. All you fashionistas, live vicariously through your dogs, you can be practical and FABULOUS at the same time.
- Never let your pet venture out on to the ice. Looks can be deceiving, and we hear each year of people risking their lives to save their pets, sometimes with tragic results.
- Be smart. Be SAFE.