Thursday, January 17, 2013

Waggin' in a Winter wonderland!




Alas, winter has arrived and is here to stay for a little while. In these cold winter months, it can be difficult to get your furry friend the exercise he or she needs. The Canine Club and Spa has rounded up a few ideas for you and your buddy to have a safe, fun, and active winter!



Keep your pet warm while outdoors

                   Short haired breeds need extra warmth outside in the winter months. Investing in a sweater or jacket for your short haired dog can be a good idea, especially if he or she is going to be spending any extended amount of time outside. Booties may also be a good idea if your dog likes to play in the snow to protect against frostbite.        





Take care of your doggy's feet 

Your pup's pads are likely to feel the wear and tear of winter, and it's best to routinely check your doggy's pads to make sure they aren't cracking/dry. Road and sidewalk salt can be a great irritant to your pup's pads, so it's a good idea to put some Vaseline (used a salt barrier) on all four pads before heading out for a walk. Also make sure to clean paws after the walk to remove any ice and debris caught between the toes. Make sure to regularly groom and perform nail trims at this time of year; maintenance is crucial. If you suspect your pal has a pad infection, you should seek a vet's care.

Keep your pet active
Arrange play dates, go for a jog/run, drop em off at the Canine Club, purchase a dog sled….whatever you need to do to make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Also keep in mind, your pet needs to be fed more in the winter months to keep up with all the exercise. 





Think outside the box
Not all activities are going to be outside. Winter can be a good time to work on training/agility. So pull out the peanut butter and milkbones and work on different commands! "Leave it" can be a good one, especially for curious dogs that like to roam near half-frozen lakes and sites of danger. Besides training, you can build your bond with your companion by doing good for your community. Volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes with your doggie is a real treat for those who are cooped up in the winter months.




ID TAGS

Unfortunately, dogs get lost most often in wintertime. It's a good idea not to let your dog roam around off-leash, since scents can easily be lost in the snow. Limiting your dog's off leash time in the winter as well as making sure your dog has id tags/contact info attached to his or her collar is a good precautionary step. 




Thanks for reading and let us know if you have any other wintertime tips!







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