Keeping your dog safe during winter ~ As Winter is starting to get closer, the temperatures are dropping rapidly and dogs get cold too. If you don’t take the appropriate measures your dog could become very ill.
Tips for keeping them safe
Wipe the Paws ~ Always wipe the paws once you return if you have been out in a place where grit could have been used. Grit contains toxins that are really harmful to the dog and if your dog starts to lick the paw it can become very ill.
Coats & Jackets ~ Some dogs don’t need to wear coats and jackets because they already have lots of lovely fur. Breeds such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, Huskies are fine. But if you have a breed that has a short fur coat like a staffie or a breeds such as a Whippet or Greyhound that is naturally skinny, they could do with a little help. Loads of gorgeous coats available and a reasonable cost check out Pets at Home selection. Keep them toastie in the cold weather.
Ice Balls ~ Check the feet for Ice Balls if you have lots of snow. If left they can be really painful between the pads. It’s best to give them a little trim between the pads to reduce the risk of Ice Balls.
Safe Walking ~ Only go for a walk if it is safe to do so, your dog could pull something or worse, break a leg and you could too. If it is very Icy it is best to find other enrichment ideas you can do at home (Check out my Enrichment Ideas, coming soon)
Be Seen ~ Make sure you are wearing bright coloured clothing, something reflective preferable. You can get Flashing collars from various places now. I have also seen a few reflective jackets for your pooch too.
Toys ~ Avoid losing those tennis balls and swap for a flashing one instead. Easy to find and follow.
Lead or No Lead ~ If you walk your dog safely of lead try not to let them venture onto a frozen pond. You can’t tell just by looking at it how thick the ice could be and they could end up going in and getting stuck.
BedTime ~ Make sure they have a nice cosy bed away from drafts and keep an eye out incase they burn themselves on radiators trying to find warmth. If you have an older dog the cold can be worse for them.
Soggy Doggy ~ Dry your soggy doggy to make sure they don’t catch a cold. They can suffer from a common cold just as much as we can.
Bring Them In ~ Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time, they can feel the cold too.
How to make an easy Paw Salve for your dog.
It is so easy to whip up a natural salve for your dogs paws. A recipe you will both love.
Just before you go on your walk rub a little onto the pads to protect them from chapping, and then just wipe the feet when you get back.
Ingredients
1 tbsp Coconut Oil 1 tbsp Olive Oil 1 tbsp Beeswax 1 tbsp Shea Butter
You can add more or less if you need too. Then all you need to do is put all the ingredients into a mason jar.
You can then pop that into a pan with boiling water. Stir until it’s all melted and combined.
Once you have done that carefully remove the jar with oven gloves,and then you can put the mix into smaller jars allow to cool before you use.