Winter is almost here. Before you know it, the days will be short, the Christmas lights will be on, and you’ll be brewing yourself a cup of hot milk to ward off the winter chill.
However, winter presents a different set of challenges for dog parents, especially those who live in areas with dramatic seasonal changes in weather.
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1. Paw protection
Snow and ice can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for a dog’s paws, but even worse is the salt that snowplows and shovels scatter along streets and sidewalks to melt the ice. Combining salt and ice can produce a reaction that burns a dog’s paws.
There are two good options to avoid this: dog boots and paw wax. Some people swear their dog’s boots are secured with Velcro, but I find those difficult to deal with and fall off easily.
Therefore, rubber boots are a better option. They usually hold up well. As long as you choose the right size for your dog, they are waterproof and disposable. Plus, you can generally reuse them over a long period.
2. Dog Jackets
Dogs have their fur coats to ward off the cold, but a jacket is a must for those with short, thin hair or who live in icy areas.
You need one that is at least as waterproof to keep the snow from sinking and one that you can quickly put on a leash for walks.
When you measure your dog to find the right jacket, carefully follow the sizing instructions. A too tight coat will be uncomfortable, and one that is too loose will not keep the cold out and will drag on the ground and get dirty.
You can get one on Kuoser here!
3. Gloves
When you’re holding the belt in freezing temperatures, you’ll need some gloves to prevent frostbite and keep you firmly gripped to the belt.
You’d be surprised how often you need to use your hands on walks, but many times you’ll need to knock snow off your pup’s fur, remove debris from his paws, or pick them up afterward. This means you must be able to move your fingers quickly while staying warm.
4. Waterproof boots
You may think that sticking to plowed sidewalks and streets will avoid trudging through the snow. But sometimes, you need to take your dog for a walk before the snowplow arrives, and you’ll be stomping left and right through puddles as the snow melts into the mud.
There’s nothing like wet socks to relax you and make you more uncomfortable on your walk. For this reason, waterproof boots that allow you to walk in the snow are a must.
5. Hand warmers
Even with the best gloves and boots, your extremities are still the first to get cold when you go outdoors. If you don’t keep them warm, you run the risk of frostbite.
It’s essential to take care of your hands and feet, considering how often you’ll be using them on your walks. Hand warmers are soft packs that react and generate heat when shaken.
Keeping a set of these in your pocket and tucking in gloves or boots in cold weather is a godsend. Keeping your hands and feet warm will help you grab your belt, stay grounded and react quickly.
6. Thermal underwear
If you want to ward off the cold on your winter walks, here’s my advice: layer, layer, layer. The best thing you can do is start with a tight-fitting first layer that hugs your skin and absorbs body heat.
I don’t recommend layering in the winter. My underwear is a lifesaver in Chicago winter conditions. If you live in a warm climate, certain underwear lines will take body heat away and also help keep you comfortable when you are out walking your dog.
7. Puppy Towel
No matter how much time you spend removing snow clumps from your dog’s fur, they will track in the mass of moisture around your house. This can make things slippery, especially in urban areas where it’s muddy.
Putting a towel at the door to wipe paws and a doormat to shake off the excess snow will certainly help. But once your pup gets loose, the snow will drift everywhere.
Some towels look a bit like a dog’s bathrobe. They are a great idea and can go a long way in absorbing some of the moisture that melts off your pup. They are helpful on rainy days, trips to the lake, or after a bath all year long.
What winter gear do you use for your dog? Get more articles about dog life on Hear Around Furry Friends. Are there any items you think dog parents must have to get through the season? Let us know in the comments below!
