¿Your dog gets lazy in the winter months And he doesn't want to go out to walk or have fun with other dogs? What's more, when he's on the street does he pull you to go home as soon as possible?
If this is so, don't let it happen, as there are dogs that are very smart and very comfortable, that in winter they look sad, they moan a little giving the feeling that they are crying, and all because they do not want to go out, they are better on each other's sofa and next to the radiator.
Tips for your dog to leave the house in winter
Get off the couch!
The greatest danger for our dogs in winter is not that they catch a cold, but that they get too fat because they don't move what they should move, and sometimes it is our fault, since we do not feel like going out, although most of the time it is because of our dog.
Therefore, not only do they move less, but there are also treats generously distributed at the end of the day, because the dog is bored. Before you know it, the dog will have put on several pounds, which is detrimental to its health.
Therefore, you should not let bad weather prevent you from going outside. On the contrary, so that this does not spread to your dog, you should lead by example and cheerfully ask him to go for a walk. With the right attitude and equipment for both dogs and humans, bad weather will not be able to beat us.
Make him have fun in the snow
It is fascinating what snow can do, and it is not only children who put themselves in a good mood, build igloos and fight by throwing snowballs, since most of the dogs seem to be almost in love with the snow.
From puppies to senior dogs, animals literally flourish and grow as they are stimulated. Everything they smell is different to them, it seems something unknown to them and what runs through their bodies when they walk in the snow is something that cannot be explained.
They are always available for a snowball fight and love to catch them, and as long as it stays that way, there is generally no danger to the dogs. However, if you see that your dog is prone to eating snowballs, you better keep the dog away from them, as there is a risk of catching the disease called «snow gastritis».
This is an inflammatory disease of the stomach lining., which often shows signs of stomach twisting, vomiting, diarrhea and fever in dogs. In this case, the dog will have to be fasted for a day, and then it will have to be given light food, the one recommended by the veterinarian.
The dog must be well equipped for walking
If you have a dog that has a thick coat and a lush undercoat, you don't have to worry about the cold. But there are enough dogs who do not wear "thermal underwear" and therefore appreciate a protective coat.
For example, short-haired dogs with little undercoat, for example boxers, freeze much faster than a golden retriever or even a newfoundland shepherdThat is why a fur coat that can be purchased at any pet store will be more than enough.
On the contrary, you should always watch your dog to see if he is shaking. In the short term, this doesn't matter, but a persistent shaking is a clear sign that something is happening to your pet. Hurry home if a conversation between friends has caused a delay.
Paw care
Regular check of the feet is essential in winter, due to the fact that salt, chips, ice and snow can severely obstruct sensitive areas, and is that some legs of dogs are very resistant and others instead need intensive care.
Putting petroleum jelly on dogs' paws is only recommended to a limited extent, because they are somewhat detrimental to health and clog pores. Best use a special paw ointment and apply before every hike to create a natural protective sight.
If the route includes roads or sidewalks where salt has been sprayed, wash your dog's paws briefly with warm water when you get home, and do not forget to dry them afterwards, because a humid microclimate promotes the multiplication of bacteria and fungi.
Things to carry with you
Many dogs are so excited about snow that they are concerned enough about themselves, so you have to be the responsible person who is aware of them at all times, and play fun games where you can't catch a cold.
For example, games of hiding objects in the snow are great fun. We do not always have to give the treats in the mouth, but they can hide and let them find them.
We do not advise you to use sticks, since many dogs have hurt themselves with them, have gotten stuck somewhere or have injured their mouth because the stick broke when it was frozen. It is better to bring a ball or some special toy that cannot be broken because of the cold.
Depending on how obedient your dog is, you can also take it with you to ski cross country or sign up for a ski tour. However, there are people who do not welcome dogs very well when they see that they trample the road or track.
Tips if you stay at home
If the winter weather is not yours or the dog's, then surprise him with a game, a gift, or teach him some kind of trick at home. Many dogs have not only learned to burn off all the activity they need to do within four walls, but they they learn certain commands that come in handy that they know.
To do this, you must always clearly name different objects to retrieve. For some dogs this is too difficult, others really come alive with this interesting exercise, especially if they are mentally stressed.