Bring activities indoors
If it’s too cold to spend much time outdoors, bring their workout inside! You can find instructional videos online for agility workouts to do indoors which will keep your dog’s joints and muscles in top shape. Alternatively, playing fetch with your dog on the stairs or creating a treasure hunt game with their favourite treat will have them using up some energy at home. Incorporating activities into your dog’s routine doesn’t just maintain their weight, it’s also great for their mental health and wellbeing too.
Invest in a good winter jacket or jumper
Dogs with double coats like Huskies and Golden Retrievers cope better in cold weather, while shorthaired breeds and dogs with a higher percentage of lean body tissue could benefit from an extra layer. Keep breeds such as poodles or greyhounds warmer during cold weather dog walking with a wool or quilted jacket. Make sure you stay aware of any changes in the weather while on your walk. You don’t want your pup overheating if the sun suddenly comes out. We have a few of our colourful Dog Jumpers left in stock, or have a look at the range of coats and jackets available through our friends, Lords & Labradors.
Get reflective accessories for dark walks
Winter dog walking most often takes place after dark due to the shorter days so it is important to keep you and your pup safe during walkies. You can get reflective vests for dogs so that they can be seen more easily in the night or you can even get an LED collar for them. There's also a range of reflective collar accessories available, including our Dog Bow Ties and Leather Flowers which are made with reflective fabric strips. Not only will these keep your dog visible to drivers and other pedestrians but it’ll help you find them if they wander off.
Take extra care of older dogs
If you’re the owner of an elderly dog or a dog with arthritis, spending too much time in cold weather won’t be enjoyable for them. Take extra care in cold or damp weather by going on shorter, more frequent walks and avoiding steep hills or too many steps. You should also avoid walks in the rain if you can as this can cause a lot of pain for senior pups..
Walks are often the highlight of your dog’s day, so don’t let chilly weather get in the way. Take a few extra precautions and keep active, happy and healthy over winter. Remember, you know your dog best so always be sure to monitor their behaviour and consult your vet if you are unsure about anything.