Dog walking in bad weather? No problem!
Braving wind and weather: Damp, cold days and early dusk tempt many people to spend cozy hours on the sofa with their beloved pets. But even in winter, dogs need sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit and healthy. While a thick winter coat provides warmth, sub-zero temperatures, rain, and temperature fluctuations between indoors and outdoors can also be challenging for our four-legged friends. With a bit of preparation, dog owners can make walks in inclement weather pleasant and safe, even for sensitive animals.
"Exercise stimulates circulation and keeps them warm – but the walking speed must always be adjusted to the physical condition of the animal companion. A well-fitting dog coat helps older, sick, or short-haired and short-legged dogs get through the cold and offers protection from the wet. No dog should have to suffer in freezing temperatures during a walk – the animal's Well-being always comes first."
Preparations for a pleasant outing
- Safety: In darkness and twilight, light-up collars or tags on dog harnesses, as well as reflective leashes and vests, ensure better visibility. Especially in traffic, the dog should always be clearly visible, but it is also advantageous to be quickly noticed in the forest or meadows.
- Dog clothing: In rainy weather, dogs with very short fur, short legs, no undercoat, or who are sick or elderly can be protected from wetness and chilling with a warm raincoat. The clothing must not constrict, cause chafing, or restrict movement, and should be adequately lined and insulated in cold weather. Some dogs have very sparsely furred bellies. Dog clothing often only warms the chest and back. However, various models are now available that also protect the sensitive belly area from chilling and additional discomfort from wetness.
- Paws: If walking on road salt and grit cannot be avoided, the pads can be treated with paw protection cream before and after walks. If the dog already has cracked paws, dog boots are recommended, provided the dog accepts them, as the salt stings the wounds and hinders healing. It often also helps to trim the hair between the paw pads, as small clumps of snow frequently form there, bothering dogs when walking.
Outdoors, the most important thing is to keep moving to avoid getting cold. Also:
- Always warm up before letting your dog romp around: Even agile dogs can suffer strains. Brisk walking, light jogging, and short exercises will prepare the muscles and tendons of both the dog and the owner. But be careful: The pace and intensity should always be individually adjusted to the animal.
- Combat the winter blues: Offer variety, for example, by exploring new forest trails and incorporating a range of activities. Sniffing and search games are ideal – they challenge both body and mind, are fun, and motivate dogs to be outdoors even in less-than-ideal weather. Dogs that get cold easily often prefer shorter, exciting adventure walks to long, leisurely excursions. A walk in bad weather is usually more enjoyable when other four-legged and two-legged companions are along for the ride, providing some entertainment.
- Caution, slippery conditions: Dog owners should keep a close eye on their companions on icy surfaces and, if necessary, keep them on a leash, as they can slip and injure themselves. A chest harness, or safety harness, is essential for better protecting your four-legged friend. Climbing on wet stacks of wood also poses a risk of injury, as dogs can slip their paws into the gaps. Frozen lakes without official permission are off-limits. The risk of breaking through the ice is too significant and can quickly put both people and animals in danger.
- Walking in the snow is especially fun. But beware: dogs shouldn't catch and swallow snowballs. The white stuff can cause stomach aches if they ingest road salt and other impurities along with the snow. Snow and ice can also irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting. While it's not always possible to prevent dogs from ingesting snow, it's essential to ensure they don't eat too much and experience discomfort.
Back home
- Drying off: After a walk, dog owners should always dry their pet thoroughly with a towel, making sure not to forget the belly.
- Paw check: After a walk, a lukewarm paw bath is recommended to wash off salt residue and paw protection cream. Always check for any grit between the toes. Small stones and salt residue can lead to painful inflammation.
- Regular brushing removes dead hair, promotes blood circulation, and ensures healthy regrowth of the winter coat. If the dog is so dirty that it needs a bath, it's advisable to use a special dog shampoo – human shampoos are not suitable. Dog owners can find out which grooming products are appropriate for their dog from their trusted veterinarian.
- Healthy dogs with a thick undercoat appreciate it if the heating near their sleeping place is not set too high, as they can easily get too warm otherwise.