The temperature may have dropped and the weather conditions may be less than favorable. But regardless of the elements, your four legged friend is still going to be in need of a good walk every day. But how do you go about ensuring that they are comfortable and safe outside of the house this winter? Here’s everything you need to know!
Keep Your Pooch on a Lead
This rule goes at any time of year. Your dog may be well behaved and follow your commands, but it’s not necessarily their behavior that you need to be concerned about. It’s the behavior of those around you on your walk.
Consider a Muzzle
If your dog is anti social with other dogs, you may be well aware that many people sadly do not follow the aforementioned piece of advice. So, if your canine pal is prone to snapping or biting, consider investing in a muzzle. This will prevent them from causing injury to any other dogs or people while you are out of the house.
Be Vigilant When Crossing Roads
There’s more traffic on the roads at this time of year. Especially during rush hour or around store closing times. So be extra vigilant when crossing the roads. Try to use designated crossings where possible and give yourself plenty of time to get from one side to the other without rushing. Ice and wet floors can lead to mid-road slips and trips, which could easily prove to be extremely dangerous.
Wrap Up
Most dogs will be fine with a short brisk work in chilly weather. But certain breeds do tend to need a little TLC and special treatment. Greyhounds and other slim dogs tend to shiver and shake when temperatures drop below a certain degree. So invest in doggy jumpers or jackets to keep them as comfortable as possible.
Watch Out for Glass
With festivities and celebrations, there also unfortunately tends to be more broken glass in the streets. So just keep an eye out for glints of glass. These can also be hidden under leaves and snow, so be extra careful! You don’t want your pup to accidentally tread in any!
These are just a few steps that can make your pup’s winter walks as safe and comfortable as can be. They’re easy to enforce and most don’t even require any extra financial investment.