We all love our dogs and want to make sure they are safe.  This winter follow these simple steps to help improve your dog’s safety and comfort.

1. Take Care of Your Dogs Paws

Dogs paws are one of the most sensitive areas of their body and also the area that needs tended most during the winter.  If you have a long-haired dog you may want to get the hair between their paws trimmed to try and prevent ice build-up.  You should wipe your dog’s feet after a walk, rinsing if you have been around any salt which is toxic to the dog and can also burn their paw pads.  Check between their toes to ensure there is no snow, salt, or grit stuck in them.  If possible get dog booties for them to use during the winter, especially in particularly cold areas.

2. Safety Proof Heat Sources

While you’re getting cosy it’s important to remember that there is a potential burn risk to your dog with radiators, fire places and wood burning stoves.  Your dog, like you, is going to search for heat during the cold.  However, they don’t fully understand the burn risks of these sources.   Make sure these areas are inaccessible to your dog.

“It is not unknown for dogs to lie next to a radiator and not realise how hot it is.  They can get burned very easily.  Avoid space heaters entirely” says Archer Reed a writer at Writemyaustralia and Assignment Writing Service.

3. Keep Well Groomed

It can be tempting to stop bathing your dog during the winter but a clean well-groomed coat is vital to keeping your dog warm.  When you bathe your dog, dry them thoroughly.  This is especially important when you are taking the dog outside afterwards.  You also want to check your dog’s skin to make sure it doesn’t dry out and become flaky.  It may be worth spending a little extra and taking your dog to the groomer who can ensure they are in tip top shape to deal with the cold.

4. Limit Outdoor Time

Don’t leave your dog outside too long during the winter.  Before taking your dog out, check the weather.  If it looks like it’s going to be heavy snow or the forecast is warning about high winds it may be best to keep your dog inside until it’s passed.  If you can, avoid going out when dark.  If you have to go out in the dark, make sure your dog is always visible.

5. Don’t Leave Unattended in Your Car

We are all aware that cars overheat in the summer but during the winter cars can reach freezing temperatures.  If you can, do not leave your dog unattended in your car for any length of time.  Even leaving the car running poses a potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you are parked in a garage.

6. Keep Warm and Dry

Keep your dog cosy and warm in the winter to prevent chills.  Dry them off after walks, wrap them up during walks where possible especially for short coated dogs.  

“Getting a dog jacket can be a godsend.  It keeps your dog warmer during the walk and prevents them getting too wet when walking in the rain and snow” recommends Tammy Cole pet blogger at Ratedwriting and HuffPost.

Make sure they have a cosy bed that’s away from drafts.  Get a raised bed to keep them off of cold floors and give them blankets to snuggle into.

7. Change Walk Routes if Required

Check your usual walk route for potential risks.  Do you usually go buy a river or lake that is now frozen?  It may be best to avoid those areas to prevent the risk of your dog falling in.  Is there a large amount of salt or grit on the route?  Check if you can go another way or is there something you can do to protect your dog’s paws.  Try and keep your dog on a leash as much as possible to try and prevent them running off and ending up in danger.

Most of these tips are common sense.  Take a bit of extra time to think before you do anything with your dog and ensure that they are warm and dry.  Hope you and your dogs have a good time this winter.

Dog lover Emily Henry writes for Resume Writing Service and Research Papers Writing Service as well as tutoring at Subjecto.