When the temperature drops and the rain comes down, your pup still needs to be walked outside. Although you’d probably much rather stay snuggled up on the sofa, there are ways to make heading outdoors tolerable for you and your pet. Follow these tips to keep your dog safe when venturing into frigid conditions.
Check the forecast before hitting the trails with your dog
Typically, the coldest part of the day is first thing in the morning. However, conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and your area may experience a rapid temperature drop in the late afternoon. Before planning your dog’s outdoor adventures, check the forecast and determine the warmest time of day to head outside. Monitoring the forecast also will help you stay out of freezing rain or other unpleasant conditions.
Outfit your dog in appropriate cold-weather gear
While your dog is already outfitted with a fur coat, their fur won’t keep them dry and safe from ice-melting chemicals and ice shards. Before walking your pup outside, bundle them up in a waterproof, fleece-lined jacket. Protect your dog’s paws from ice fragments, and winter chemicals, such as sidewalk salt and antifreeze, with waterproof dog booties. Ensure the booties fit properly so your pet can walk comfortably. If your dog develops a cracked, rough nose from the dry air, consider applying a nose and paw balm designed specifically for this problem.
Contact our team if your dog suffers from overexposure to cold conditions. We can perform a physical exam to check for frostbite or hypothermia.