Walking Dogs in Winter: A Veterinarian Shares Essential Guidelines

Soon, snowfalls are expected in Ukraine, so it's important to think about dogs during walks. Veterinarian Joanna Herberger, with 15 years of experience, shared in an interview with Mirror what rules pet owners should follow before heading outside with their furry friends in snowy weather.

"Consider the breed and body type of your dog. If it has short hair or low body fat, like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, think about putting a warm coat or even booties on it to protect its paw pads," she advises.

It's also essential to care for your pet's paws — they need protection too, as they come into direct contact with snow. The salt used for treating roads and sidewalks can irritate a dog’s skin, and ice and chemicals used for melting it can cause irritation or even burns on the paws. Therefore, it's crucial to check your pet's limbs after a walk, rinse off any salt and chemicals, or use dog booties for paw protection.

Keep in mind that a dog's limbs can become frostbitten in winter. Signs of this include changes in skin color — the affected area may turn blue, gray, or black, along with pain, swelling, blisters on the limbs, and clumsiness in the animals. In such cases, it's important to cover the affected area with a warm, dry towel and consult a veterinarian.

It's vital to wash your pet's paws after winter walks. Additionally, you should check for any injuries.

Overall, dogs enjoy walking and running in the winter. Joanna Herberger notes that this is a fantastic experience for pets that brings them joy. However, it's important to monitor that dogs do not eat snow during walks, as it may contain harmful substances.

The expert recommended drying the dog with a dry towel or blanket after a walk to prevent it from getting cold.

"Provide it with a warm, cozy place to rest. After all, it deserves it," she added.

Recently, scientists found the answer to the question of why dogs shake off water next to us. It turns out that a specific nerve is responsible for this behavior.

Previously, a veterinarian named dog breeds that are not advisable to keep. Each of these breeds has its own problems and other aspects to consider.