This fellow absolutely adores the snow, and I caught a few photos of him making what I call "dog angels".
People say it's a wonderful thing to see the world from a child's eyes, and I think the same goes for animals. I get to watch new snow bring a whole lot of joy to animals in the winter, and it reminds me to enjoy the changing seasons.
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On a more practical note, remember that regular sidewalk salt can irritate paws, and extended exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite.
Be sure to monitor weather conditions and know your dog. Not every breed of dog appreciates the winter as much as that guy <<<.
The American Kennel Club suggests using booties, applying pre-walk paw balm and rinsing and drying of paws after the walk. There are also a number of different styles of winter coats for dogs. Read up on what your breed can handle and always listen to your dog.
As for de-icers, this PetMD article is a great read for lots of information: Pet-Safe Ice Melts: Are They Really Safe? The author notes to be wary of de-icer made of rock salt (sodium chloride), as these can irritate paws or cause increased blood sodium levels, if ingested. Things like antifreeze, and certain de-icers, contain a toxic substance called ethylene glycol, which pose a huge risk to cats and dogs who ingest it. More "pet-friendly" ice melts often contain propylene glycol and urea, which are safer for dogs (but not cats!) when ingested, and don't cause the chemical burns of chloride products.
One thing that is noted again and again, however, is that there is really no completely pet-safe de-icer. So, having a post-winter walk care routine is always a smart call.
For even more interesting information and tips about dog/companion animal care in the winter, check out this Pet First Aid blog!
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