Even though we still have some snow on the ground, and probably will till June, it’s always a big deal to get outdoors with your dog and enjoy crisp, cool air, frolic in the snow and take in the visual splendor of nature. A walk in the woods can be an exhilarating experience for you and your dog, especially if you’ll take a moment for some basic dog care preparations. Minimize surprises and emergencies by following these simple steps.
Walking Your Dog in the Woods
I don’t know about you but I find that sitting in the house on nice sunny days gives me cause for concern. I know I need to get out doors, and so does our dog. So, our family put together a list of things you’ll want to consider when going for that walk in the woods or a romp in some snowy field.
List of Things For Walking Your Dog Outdoors in The Winter
- Orange vests for you and your dog: Face it, when walking through the country at any time of the year, you may come across the sights of a hunter, or in their sights. It’s a good idea to wear a bright colored safety vest! Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings, regardless whether it is hunting season or not. So wear a safety vest!
- Current dog tags on collars: Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to read “I’m LOST! Please call My Owner at (XXX) XXX-XXXX“. This gives the person who finds my dog all necessary information on how to contact me.
- Foot and body check during and after the outing: I check my dog’s paws and body frequently to ensure his feet are ok and not stuck with pine needles, burrs, etc.
- Fresh water and a bowl: It’s a good idea to bring water with you, and a small collapsible bowl. This will ensure that if your dog is thirsty they wont drink standing water.
- Dry Towels: I always pack a couple of towels in my backpack before hiking. It helps to wipe down my dog before they get in the car and helps to keep the car cleaner as I lay a towel down so the dog doesn’t mess the upholstery too badly.
Use these 5 simple tips to help make your outdoor adventure in dog walking even greater. If you’re considering boarding your dog with Dog Day Getaway or have them here for a playday at our doggy daycare, consider using our dog walking service!