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Winter's No Reason to Stay Indoors
Article By: Glenn Redmond
While we settle into winter, you might want to sit by
the fire on a snowy day, but that does not mean your dog
shares the same vision. Most dogs love the snow and are
still rearing to go, even after the mercury drops.
Many pet owners struggle with winter exercise for their
pooch as salted side walks restrict leisurely strolls
around town. Knee deep snow makes walking wooded trails
an exercise in frustration for owners who by now think
10 C and rain in July is utopia.
But don't despair. There are many winter activities that
you and your dog can participate in, taking the sting
out of that cold air and providing fun and exercise at
the same time.
Dog Sledding
If you envision large teams of huskies and malamutes
when you think of dog sledding, think again. Two dogs
are all you need to pull a sled and most breeds over 30
pounds can participate.
You will need a sled and harness as well as ganglines
that attach the dogs to the sled. All of the equipment
will cost between $500 and $1000 for recreational users.
Start slowly, allowing your dogs to get accustomed to
the equipment. Stick with two dogs so both canines and
humans can learn their limits. As your skills improve,
you can add a friend's dog, keeping in mind that your
speed increases with every dog added.
Skijoring
This is a sport in which you stand on skis rather than
a sled and unlike sledding, only requires one dog. The
idea is for both dog and skier to move in unison and therefore
does not require the same pulling power as dog sledding.
You will need ski equipment, a skijoring belt for yourself
and a good harness and tow line for your dog with a quick
release snap. You could get started for roughly $150.00.
High speeds can quickly be attained in this activity,
making it essential to have good control of your dog before
you start. Dogs should at least know the commands of "down",
"stay", "stand" and "stop"
to ensure safety for both of you.
Snow Shoeing
Snow shoes enable you to use trails that otherwise would
be inaccessible. The simplest activity of them all, snow
shoeing does not require any special training or conditioning
for your dog. Remember, in deeper snow, your dog will
work twice as hard thus expending more energy. Frequent
breaks are advisable. You can purchase a pair of snow
shoes for between $50.00 and $250.00.
Things to Remember
1) Check with your vet: Schedule a check up to ensure
your dog is healthy enough to be in cold weather and participate
in winter activities. Remember that puppies and senior
dogs have special requirements and sometimes find it hard
to regulate their body temperature in cold weather.
2) Protect the paws: Snow and ice can quickly build up
between the pads, so check these areas often, removing
any frozen chunks immediately. Watch for salt build up
in parking lots and have water on hand to wash away salt
or other chemicals that have gathered on the pads and
to prevent licking and ingesting these harmful substances.
Booties offer great protection from the elements and can
be purchased at most pet stores.
3) Prevent dehydration: Dogs dehydrate as quickly in
winter as they do in summer. They cannot get enough fluid
by simply eating snow. Carry clean drinking water along
with you. Letting them quench their thirst from rain puddles
carries the risk of illnesses such as Giardia.
4) Prevent hypothermia: Exercise temporarily increases
body temperature, but during break time, especially if
the fur is wet, dogs will lose body heat. Shivering is
the earliest sign that a dog is too cold and as hypothermia
sets in, dogs become weak and lethargic. Have a towel
ready to dry your pet. Owners of short coated breeds or
dogs with little undercoat should consider carrying a
properly fitting sweater or jacket for their pet. After
exercise, bring your dog indoors and let them rest in
a warm dry place.
5) Carry extra food: Never exercise your dog on a full
stomach as this may cause bloat, a life threatening condition
in which the stomach distends with gas and twists on itself.
Feed small snacks during exercise to ensure your dogs'
fuel needs are met.
6) Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your dog away
from rivers and ponds that may not have completely frozen
over and large snow drifts that your dog could fall into.
Familiarize yourself with wildlife in the area and watch
for signs of their presence. Most wild animals will want
to stay away from you, but your dog's natural inclination
to pursue wildlife may elicit a defensive response, making
even a normally docile species potentially dangerous.
We do not have to lie dormant with our dogs all winter,
longing for the easy days of summer. Chilly, grey winter
days do not dull a dog's zest for life or its need for
exercise. In fact, a dog's enthusiasm can serve as great
motivation for getting out and enjoying winter sports.
Many who have started winter sports get so much enjoyment
and bonding time with their dogs that they now wish the
winter would never end.
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