Help your dog out when it gets cold
Our column about safe walks with dogs in the snow prompted a lively discussion on our “Be PAWSitive” Facebook page. Several pet owners wrote with some excellent questions, so I thought I’d combine their queries.
Jenn asked: “How long is it safe for dogs to play in the snow?”
Kyndyl asked: “What temps are OK for dogs to play outside?”
Deb wrote: “How do I get the snowballs off the dog without pulling her hair?”
And Caryn wrote in with a “hack to protect pup’s paws: ‘ press and seal’ plastic wrap. Great for a quick fix when you don’t want to struggle with booties.”
The American Kennel Club advises that even large, long-haired dogs should be exposed to cold weather for short periods while they acclimate. (Remember, the huskies who race in the Iditarod wear booties!).
Pay attention to tail and ear tips to gauge whether your dog is cold. A half-hour is more than enough time for most dogs. As for temperatures — if you find it freezing cold, your pet will also.
Some little dogs might have to be “hand carried” outside to do their business.
As for “snowballs” on a dog with curly hair — if you can pinch them between your fingers once your pup is inside, they will get crushed, but make sure you dry the moisture with a towel as you go.
And just because your walks may be shortened doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent ways to spend time with your dog inside. Work on command training, or play hide-andseek! When your dog isn’t looking, find a spot to hide, such as behind a chair, or in the bathroom behind the shower curtain. Then call your dog’s name. See how long it takes him to find you, and give him much affection when he does.