Three top tips for walking your dog in snowy weather

During winter-time, as another cold front assails Britain – we are here to help you with a task which will not wait until after the bad weather retreats; that of walking your dog.

Regardless of the weather, dogs still require exercise, which can be a considerable amount depending on the breed of canine. Walking in the snow can sometimes be a bit of a worry so please read on and discover three very helpful tips that can help you ensure both your dog’s comfort and safety whilst tackling snowy conditions:

Keep their claws short

This isn’t just a tip that should only be acknowledged during the winter, but instead, it should be done regularly throughout the year.

As pets are outside so often, they may be plodding around on a variety of hard surfaces, such as tarmac or concrete, which is good for keeping their claws trim.

However, when ice is present, it won’t help you maintain your dog’s short nails due to the lack of friction. In this instance, unkempt claws can damage the dog’s nail bed due to the force being exerted back into it via the softer surface.

Another bonus of trimming your pet’s nails during the winter is that they’ll be less prone to slipping on icy surfaces, preventing a potentially harmful accident.

Protect their paws

Wintery conditions can not only affect your dog’s temperature and general wellness, but they can wreak havoc on paws too.

If their paws are not protected when your dog is out on a walk, the warm conditions within your house can cause your dog’s paws and skin to become itchy on their return home, and this can be very uncomfortable for your pet.

By purchasing a humidifier, you can prevent your pet from getting irritated and flaky skin.

There are things you can use to prevent certain objects from getting stuck in your dog’s paws in snowy conditions. Vaseline or a specialist paw balm can act as a protective layer to prevent damage from different elements.

Whenever you take your dog out walking in cold conditions, always remember how important it is to wipe your pet’s paws dry after every walk. Damp paws can cause irritation, cracked pads and in some instances, infections.

During winter, bathe your pets less than usual as the additional soaking of their body can remove oils from their skins and dry it out. Consider purchasing a specialist shampoo that provides gentle moisturising.

Avoid snow consumption

Arguably the biggest danger facing pets throughout the winter is snow consumption.

If you catch your dog eating snow, then this requires urgent assistance, either removing it from their mouth before consumption or a visit to the vet.

Snow can easily conceal objects or chemicals within it that can be toxic for your pet if consumed.

Winter may not be the favourite season for pet owners (even though dogs generally love mucking about in snow) but you can rest easy by ensuring that your dog is insured against winter accidents or illnesses with a policy from us.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable time together in the snow.