Snow and Dogs : Some hints & tips for new puppy/dog owners.
Our pet dogs & puppies are not used to extremes of temperature so don’t leave your dog outside unattended as they aren’t used to the extreme cold so could develop hypothermia or frostbite. Today isn't particularly cold but the wet snow will be if they are exposed to it for too long. Short-coated breeds or dogs who are low to the ground can really struggle to cope with the cold so make sure they’ve got a dog coat on when they go outside and you may like to invest in some dog boots for them not only to protect them from the wet and cold but from ice balls forming between their pads. If your dog starts lifting up their paws, whining or stopping while out on walks it could well be because their feet are too cold or they have an ice ball. Don't use hot water on them to melt the snow or ice balls - warm water only and wash their paws and legs if you've been walking on salt/gritted pavements. Dry them off so they don't lick themselves and ingest the salt.
Dogs like to eat snow but make sure it is only a little taste and it is pristine snow - you don't want them taking in very cold snow in great quantities and you don't want them ingesting anti freeze/grist/salt.
Stay away from frozen ponds or lakes and keep your dog on a lead near frozen water. If they do run on to it, it’s tempting to go after them but it’s really important that you don’t put yourself at risk or have to call the emergency services, so don't put yourselves in that position in the first place !
Other than that, enjoy a festive looking landscape and maybe build a snow dog !
Our pet dogs & puppies are not used to extremes of temperature so don’t leave your dog outside unattended as they aren’t used to the extreme cold so could develop hypothermia or frostbite. Today isn't particularly cold but the wet snow will be if they are exposed to it for too long. Short-coated breeds or dogs who are low to the ground can really struggle to cope with the cold so make sure they’ve got a dog coat on when they go outside and you may like to invest in some dog boots for them not only to protect them from the wet and cold but from ice balls forming between their pads. If your dog starts lifting up their paws, whining or stopping while out on walks it could well be because their feet are too cold or they have an ice ball. Don't use hot water on them to melt the snow or ice balls - warm water only and wash their paws and legs if you've been walking on salt/gritted pavements. Dry them off so they don't lick themselves and ingest the salt.
Dogs like to eat snow but make sure it is only a little taste and it is pristine snow - you don't want them taking in very cold snow in great quantities and you don't want them ingesting anti freeze/grist/salt.
Stay away from frozen ponds or lakes and keep your dog on a lead near frozen water. If they do run on to it, it’s tempting to go after them but it’s really important that you don’t put yourself at risk or have to call the emergency services, so don't put yourselves in that position in the first place !
Other than that, enjoy a festive looking landscape and maybe build a snow dog !