January is National Walk Your Dog Month.....is your dog winter ready?

 
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January is National Walk Your Dog Month, so what better time to commit to an exercise program that will benefit both you and your trusted companion in 2020?

Regular, controlled leash walks continue to be one of the best and safest forms of exercise to keep your dog in tip top shape (or lose those left over holiday pounds!), and are a great way for you to spend quality time together.

It can be difficult to stay motivated to get outdoors during the winter months, but it is important for your furry friend to maintain a consistent level of activity all year long to avoid weight gain, increase cardiovascular fitness, and maintain muscle mass, all of which will help to prevent some of the more common injuries that can happen as our pets age.

That being said, we need to be mindful of some of the hazards that Mother Nature can throw our way when those temperatures start to dip below freezing, so here are 5 tips for safely exercising your dog during the winter months.

#1. Start slowly

Just like when us humans start a new exercise program, if your dog is new to regular activity then they need to ease into it in order to adequately condition their muscles and joints to the increase in movement. This is especially true for our senior or overweight pets that may already have some issues with impaired mobility. For some dogs 5-10 minutes is enough to tucker them out, so if you aren’t sure what an appropriate distance is for your dog, consult with your veterinarian before getting started.

#2. Dress for the elements

Those fancy coats and booties that you’ve seen on dogs all over Instagram are pretty darned cute, but they are more than just a fashion statement. One area to be particularly mindful of is your dog’s feet if they will be romping through the snow or walking on icy surfaces. Those paws are perfectly designed to pack snow, ice and irritating salt between the webs of the toes. While most dogs can be trained to wear some type of booty, if your dog runs in the opposite direction of the door when the boots come out, don’t stress them (or you!!) out - just be diligent about cleaning their feet after every walk and check the pads and in between the toes often for any sign of irritation.

#3. Watch the clock

Most dogs are quite resilient to colder temperatures but some ages, breeds, even personalities are definitely more sensitive to the cold than others, and could benefit from some extra layers. Keep an eye on our short-coated friends, puppies, senior dogs and small breeds for signs that they have had enough, including whining, shivering, slowing down, or refusing to walk all together. If your dog shows any of these signs it is time to head indoors and have some snuggle time.

#4. Keep your dog on leash

Fresh powder may be your dog’s idea of a winter wonderland, but it can also conceal some potential dangers like ice, sharp objects or other obstacles that can cause injury. Keep your dog on leash and stick to the paved and cleared areas to ensure their safety as well as your own. Also remember that the days are shorter in the winter which reduces visibility of both you and your dog at night. Consider bringing a flashlight or outfit yourself and your dog in reflective gear so that you are more visible to passing motorists.

#5. Just get moving!

It is always tough to get out there and get moving when the temperatures drop and the weather outside is less than ideal, but regular activity is vital for both your pet’s physical and mental well being. Any amount of time in the great outdoors is worthwhile as long as you are both dressed appropriately and you are keeping a close eye on your pet for signs that they have had enough. On days that it is truly too miserable to brave going outside, you can maintain your dog’s physical fitness and provide mental stimulation by playing a controlled game of fetch indoors, setting up a playdate with your pet’s best pal or finding an indoor pet-friendly area to let your dog play.

What are your tips for safely exercising your dog during the winter season? Leave me a comment below!

Dr. Sarah