Walking dogsin the snow?

shannonshock13

Okay so this may sound like a really dumb question but lately i have been really in to walking my dogs for 2-3 miles a day. But it is about to be that time of the year where it snows and I don't know if i should walk them in the cold.

one is a boxer/shar pei who hates the cold but love his walks (he is prolly an obvious no...)
and the other is a lhasa apso.

I don't think either dog would be down for those little dog shoes either... lol

What do you guys do with your dogs when it's winter?

Do you wear those things that strap on to the bottom of your shoes so you can get a better grip while walking in the snow/ice?

BrianSharpe

Dogs need their exercise in the winter too.

Some shorter hair breeds may need a little extra insulation but most dogs will tolerate walking in winter temperatures quite well and usually take their cues (as to whether or not it is fun) from their walkers. Mine both walk and play in the snow, I just have to watch for build up between their toes.

I just wear my winter boots when taking them for walks.

Sean_The_IT_Guy

Dogs, even little wee ones, are fairly well equipped to walk in snow without hurting paws. Keep them off broken or rough ice and they should be fine. I wouldn't worry about it, unless you do marathon walks of hours and hours. Keep an eye on their paws, and if they start to look cracked or sore, apply some vaseline to their paw pads before heading out.

Those little boots, coats and whatnot for dogs are just there for YOUR benefit, not your dogs'. The dogs just like being outdoors, they don't care if they're dressed up.

slugkiller

We go out in the snow as usual but not for long walks due to snow and ice build-up on the paws. I tried the shoes but they didn't go down too well :laugh:

Watch out for salt on the roads as this is bad for paws - my bullie gets a foot spa when we get back home - spoilt git!!

miracole

I run my dog year round (she would likely start eating the hardwood from sheer boredom if I didn't) and I have found a miracle product for those winter runs that battles even the salt on the roads that we stick to in winter because they are clear enough to run on.

It's called Invisible Boots: http://www.amazon.ca/100-Natural-Invisible-Boot/dp/B002V7VKB8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_2

it's used by mushers for their sled dogs all the time and is generally easy to apply and lasts for quite a while (I put on a good coating before we head out and we can easily do a 10-20k run.) One jar lasts for ages, I think I'm on my third season with the jar that I have.

If your dogs are short haired just get them a good coat and consider doing 2 shorter walks a day so they have time to warm up.

And for me? my winter boots if we're walking running shoes if we're running and if it has been freezing raining I'll toss on some yak trax for added stability.

KatrinaWilke

A couple years ago, I moved from South Texas to North Dakota. I was nervous about walking my dog when winter time came. But she loved the cold and snow way more than I did. I bought some snow boots for her only when the temperature reached -10 F or colder. When the temperature would get this cold, she would stop walking and pick up her paws. She did slip on ice everyonce and awhile but learned to be careful. I wouldn't worry about walking your dogs in the snow and ice, just pay attention to them and you will be able to tell what they can tolerate.

debrajdavid

I walk our brittany, Annie, year-round in New York. To protect their pads against snow and ice, slather some vaseline on all four paws before heading out. Will protect their pads on the cold ground and helps with the ice build-up on the hair between her toes. I also put a coat on her when the temp. falls below 15 or 20 degrees F. I believe they need to keep their body heat in when it is so cold outside. Hope this helps and happy walking!!

KatrinaWilke

I run my dog year round (she would likely start eating the hardwood from sheer boredom if I didn't) and I have found a miracle product for those winter runs that battles even the salt on the roads that we stick to in winter because they are clear enough to run on.

It's called Invisible Boots: http://www.amazon.ca/100-Natural-Invisible-Boot/dp/B002V7VKB8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_2

it's used by mushers for their sled dogs all the time and is generally easy to apply and lasts for quite a while (I put on a good coating before we head out and we can easily do a 10-20k run.) One jar lasts for ages, I think I'm on my third season with the jar that I have.

If your dogs are short haired just get them a good coat and consider doing 2 shorter walks a day so they have time to warm up.

And for me? my winter boots if we're walking running shoes if we're running and if it has been freezing raining I'll toss on some yak trax for added stability.

I will have to try this!! My dog can tolerate wearing boots, but isn't in love with them.

ilovelucy711

Yes, you can walk them in the snow. Buy your boxer a doggy shirt or jacket so he or she won't be cold!

shannonshock13

Thanks guys for all the suggestions!! I will def check that link out, and looks like i'll have to get some new winter boots

KipDrordy

Okay so this may sound like a really dumb question but lately i have been really in to walking my dogs for 2-3 miles a day. But it is about to be that time of the year where it snows and I don't know if i should walk them in the cold.

one is a boxer/shar pei who hates the cold but love his walks (he is prolly an obvious no...)
and the other is a lhasa apso.

I don't think either dog would be down for those little dog shoes either... lol

What do you guys do with your dogs when it's winter?

Do you wear those things that strap on to the bottom of your shoes so you can get a better grip while walking in the snow/ice?

My dog demands to be walked no matter what the conditions. I've found that once the outside temp reaches below mid-20's, her paws can't take walking in that cold of snow. We use the boots that dog sledders use, and they're easy to make yourself. All you need is some fleece and velcro. You don't need rubber soles for grip. Their nails can grip through the fleece. They'll get wet, but your dog will be able to tolerate the snow because the snow itself won't get up between their toes. No dog likes shoes at first, but they all get used to it. It's up to you to insist on them keeping them on. I bought a pair of Salomon snow clogs and wear them all the time. They're warm, comfortable, and they get great traction in the snow. I hardly ever find the need to wear boots.