| Many dogs love winter -- but does winter love dogs? | | | | weather, there is another imperative reason to avoid |
| Let's face it -- your dog either loves winter or hates | | | | them. Salt which drips into manhole covers and |
| it. Just like humans! If your dog loves winter then it's | | | | grates can corrode old electrical wiring under roads |
| worth thinking about the kind of dangers and hazards | | | | and sidewalks and cause stray current. This has been |
| which lurk on frozen city streets. If your dog hates | | | | a well publicized issue in New York City in past years |
| winter then you need to take steps to make their | | | | and the problem shows no signs of abating as New |
| walks as warm and comfortable as possible. | | | | York's utility company can offer no guarantees that |
| - Wrap them up! Some dogs, like Great Pyrenees and | | | | sidewalks will not carry current in winter. Dogs in New |
| Bernese Mountain breeds, are ideally equipped for | | | | York City are regularly electrocuted in winter and in |
| cold weather with their thick fur and thick skin. | | | | one particularly tragic case an NYC dog walker was |
| Indeed such breeds originate from cold weather | | | | electrocuted and killed after she and her dogs walked |
| climates and as such don't really need coats, unless | | | | across an electrified grate. The problem isn't exclusive |
| they're particularly cold or the weather is particularly | | | | to New York City -- anywhere there's underground |
| severe. But most other dogs, especially small and | | | | wiring and salt, wire corrosion and stray current can |
| short haired breeds, will appreciate the best quality | | | | occur. For this reason it's best that you look out for |
| jacket you can buy them for frigid days. Make sure | | | | and avoid all metal surfaces on the sidewalk during |
| it's insulated, waterproof and windproof. A good idea | | | | periods of ice and snow. If your dog should scream |
| is to buy a warm sweater along with a lightweight | | | | or yelp suddenly without warning, move them away |
| waterproof and windproof shell -- that way you have | | | | as quickly as possible as they may be suffering a |
| more control over their comfort as you can add or | | | | shock. Of course it's not always possible to see |
| remove layers depending on the weather. It's very | | | | under snow and ice, which means you can't always |
| important to make sure they're a good fit -- too | | | | be sure there isn't metal underneath. For this reason, |
| loose and they'll feel drafts, too tight and they will | | | | you should seriously consider fitting your dog with |
| cut off their circulation. | | | | rubber soled boots which will insulate them from |
| - Consider dog booties A good pair of warm, | | | | current. |
| waterproof dog boots will not only protect your | | | | - Don't let your dog jump into snow drifts Dogs that |
| dogs paws from the weather but also from salted | | | | love snow go crazy for deep snow drifts. They'll |
| city sidewalks. The chemical salts which are used to | | | | literally dive into them and leap around like it's the |
| melt ice and snow can burn a dogs paws -- although | | | | greatest activity in the world. While this is extremely |
| some dogs appear to be more affected than others. | | | | cute and fun to watch, you should discourage it. |
| Typical dog reactions to sidewalk salt range from | | | | Snow drifts on the sides of city streets can form |
| incessant paw licking (discourage it!) to outright | | | | literally overnight, often concealing trash that was put |
| screaming. It's especially important to make sure that | | | | out the night before. Trash bags can contain sharp or |
| dog boots are a good fit and fasten securely. If you | | | | protruding objects which can injure a dog. Even |
| buy boots that come off easily you'll soon regret it | | | | worse, the drift could be concealing something |
| as you find you have to retrace your steps every | | | | particularly dangerous like an old broken mirror or |
| five minutes to find a boot that's come off. A dog is | | | | electrical appliances with sharp edges. Save |
| less likely to reject boots if they're well fitted and | | | | snow-frolicking for the park or the dog run! |
| secure. Velcro fastened boots with rubber soles tend | | | | - Cut walks short in extreme weather While most |
| to be longer lasting and warmer, while disposable | | | | dogs are hardy creatures and tolerant of cold |
| rubber boots can give a more secure fit and have a | | | | weather, never keep your dog out for too long |
| more natural feel to a dog. If your dog absolutely | | | | when the weather is extreme or frigid. Sub zero |
| won't wear boots no matter how much you try, you | | | | temperatures with a wind-chill factor can be as |
| can always try rubbing wax on their paws. Such | | | | dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. Small |
| waxes are available from most pet stores and | | | | dogs especially are prone to frostbite -- and |
| protect against snow and salt. | | | | remember that frigid air can be damaging to a dogs |
| - Make sure your own shoes are suitable! This | | | | lungs. While your dog will probably tell you when they |
| probably goes without saying, but you should also be | | | | want to go back inside, don't be afraid to play the |
| sure that your own footwear is suitable for walking | | | | over-concerned killjoy parent and cut their walk short. |
| on icy city streets. Firm footing is a must in the snow | | | | Take them out for toilet duties and bring them back |
| regardless, but even more so when you're walking | | | | in -- you can always make up the exercise through |
| your dog. Should they pull or bolt, the last thing you | | | | indoor play. |
| want is to fall flat on your behind because your | | | | Take good care and there is no reason why you and |
| shoes don't have adequate grip! | | | | your dog should enjoy your walks together any less |
| - Avoid metal surfaces Aside from the fact that | | | | in winter months than during any other season! |
| metal surfaces can be extremely cold in winter | | | | |