While living in Canada you are likely to experience snowy days in the winter.  With snow comes extra preparation and care to protect your furry friend. Just as us humans need to use caution in cold weather for ourselves, so too do we need to for our pets.  Just because it is snowing outside does not mean we can neglect our dogs’ needs for exercise. You can continue to take your dogs for walks outside in the snow, you just need to be prepared and take extra safety precautions. The following is a list of tips to follow that will help you to care for your dog when taking walks in the snow.

Ways to Protect your Dog when Walking in the Snow:

1. Protect your dog’s delicate feet with doggie boots.
2. Use paw protection balm such as Musher’s Secret.
3. Trim nails for better traction.
4. Keep hair between paw pads trimmed short during the winter months to prevent discomfort due to the formation of ice balls in this area on a hairy dog.
5. Prevent your dog from pulling. Pulling increases the risk of fall related injuries especially when the roads and sidewalks may be slippery with ice.
6. Limit time outdoors. This is especially important for short-haired breeds.
7. Short-haired breeds may benefit from use of a sweater.
8. Stick to snow covered areas whenever possible versus melted snow areas covered in salt. Salt grit can be harmful to your dog’s paws as it contains chemicals which can produce burns on paws with prolonged contact.
9. Avoid areas with frozen bodies of water. The weight of your dog may cause a potential break in thin ice and risk him falling through.
10. Pay attention to signs that your dog is getting cold such as shivering or lifting paws. Head back home as soon as possible to prevent cold related illnesses.
11. Lifting a paw or limping may be due to discomfort from chemical irritation to his paws from the salt. Wipe off your dog’s paw pads and remove any ice balls that may cause discomfort.
12. Wash or wipe your dog’s paws down thoroughly after a walk to get rid of salts.
13. If it feels too cold out for you, then it is probably too cold out for your dog!

Now that you know some useful tips for keeping your dog safe in the snow get out there and have some fun in it!

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Pumpkin doesn’t just make for a cute halloween costume, it is also a delicious flavour many people enjoy especially during the fall. While you are enjoying the taste of pumpkin this fall, why not let your dog in on the enjoyment too! This is why…

Pumpkin Benefits for Dogs:

1) Pumpkin can ease digestion and help with controlling diarrhea

• For a constipated dog, the high water and fiber content in pumpkin will help add bulk and soften stool. This acts as a natural laxative making the stool easier to pass.
• If your dog has diarrhea, the soluble fiber in canned pumpkin will help absorb the excess water, resulting in firmer stool.
• The fiber content of pumpkin acts as a prebiotic. This helps to stimulate the growth of activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Fiber lowers the pH level and provides the necessary nutrients the beneficial bacteria needs.

2) It helps combat dehydration

• Pumpkin flesh is around 90% water. Adding a little bit of pumpkin to a dogs meal can help combat dehydration resulting from moisture deficient processed dog food.

3) Helps to boost weight loss

• Pumpkin is filling in a dog’s tummy. Your dog will feel fuller sooner and consume fewer calories overall.

4) Pumpkin is high in nutrition

• Pumpkin contains carbohydrates, protein, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, niacin, manganese and copper.

5) Pumpkin adds antioxidants to your dog’s diet

• Pumpkin moisturizes skin helping your dog to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

6) Pumpkin can help to control parasites

• Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin.  Cucurbitin paralyzes and eliminates tapeworms and other parasites from the digestive tract.

7) Pumpkin seeds can help control inflammation

• Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties.

8) It can help with a dog’s urinary tract health

• Pumpkin seed oils contain nutrients that can prevent or lower the possibility of kidney stone formation. They also promote and support general urinary health.

Note of Caution:

• Be cautious not to overload your dog with pumpkin. Too much vitamin A can be toxic to dogs. Too much pumpkin can cause loose stools. The amount of pumpkin needed to provide a benefit will vary from dog to dog. Speak to your vet first before adding pumpkin to your dog’s regular diet.
• Always opt for pure, plain canned or fresh pumpkin with no added spices or sugar. Do not feed your dog pie pumpkin as it contains additives including sugar.

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There are many factors that you may consider when deciding on what treats to give your dog. These may include: quality of ingredients, perceived taste, size, whether it can be broken down into smaller pieces, etc. Some treats are better for everyday positive reinforcement of already mastered behaviours, some better for training new behaviours and some are better for more special/newly introduced behaviours or difficult behaviours. Treat choice is also very dependant on the dog.

I have compiled a list of my favourite treats to give my dog and the dogs I walk with explanations as to what makes them good treats. I have also included some food reinforcers that you can find right in your fridge or any grocery store. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to decide which treats to give your dogs too.

Store Bought Treats

1)Pure Bites Freeze Dried Treats:

Why I like These Treats:

-They come in different meat flavours: chicken, beef liver or lamb liver.

-100% pure meat source.

-Natural, pure and easy to digest.

-No preservatives.

-Made from only one ingredient.

-Low calorie.

-High in protein.

-Ideal for dogs who are overweight.

-They are good for dogs with health issues including: diabetes, GI disorders, allergies or are on a restricted diet.

-Aside from using them as treats, they are great to use as a food topper for picky eaters. Just break down half or a whole piece into flakes and top it onto food. Your dog will love the flavour and will eat the kibble underneath too.

Cons:

-Liver is very rich. If too much liver is consumed it may cause loose stools. It is important to  limit daily intake to the recommended amount and break big pieces down into multiple small rewards.

-Liver treats are better used as a special reward for a new behaviour or difficult behaviour rather than as a normal everyday positive reinforcement.

Where to buy:

-Most pet food stores, local and chain, carry these. They come in a few different sized bags.

2)Dog Delights Beef Tendersticks

Why I Like These Treats:

-100% pure Canadian beef.

-No preservatives.

-Sticks can be broken down into very small pieces to be used for many sessions throughout the day or longer period of time.

-Since you are able to break them down into smaller pieces they are suitable for many different sizes of dogs.

-They are made in Canada.

Where to buy:

-A large bag can be bought at Costco for low cost and lasts a very long time.

3) Zukes Mini Naturals

Why I Like These Treats:

-Small size which makes them great for training.

-Low in calories.

-They come in a variety of different flavours.

-They are made from high quality ingredients including: protein rich meat, wholefood berries, and savory herbs.

-Free from common allergens: no corn, no wheat, no soy.

Where to buy:

-Pet Food & More, Bosleys and Petsmart carry these. I imagine many local pet food stores would carry them as well.

From Your Fridge

-Apples

-Carrots

-Cheese

-Hot dogs

-Diced chicken or any other meat your dog enjoys.

Other:

Your dog’s own kibble

-Kibble is great as an every day reinforcer but not likely a high enough reward to train a new or difficult behaviour.

-Kibble is a safe bet if your dog has allergies, can eat his own kibble and you have difficulty finding a treat you know they will be ok with.

The treats I have listed can be used for training and reinforcing good walking behaviours including loose leash walking and heeling. I hope your dog enjoys these treats as much as mine does! Happy Training!

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Ways You Can Help Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer:

1) Exercise early in the morning or late evening

• Exercise more during the cooler hours in the day and less at peak heat times in the middle of the afternoon.

2) Limit the duration and intensity of your dog’s exercise in the hot summer months.

• Break your exercise time down into more shorter sessions throughout the day
• Avoid running with your dog on very hot days
• Decrease your pace as your dog may get tired more quickly

3) Take more rest breaks in the shade to allow your dog to cool down.

• Take lots of breaks from the sun to prevent your dog from overheating
• Give your dog’s paws a break from the warm sidewalk or path by standing or sitting in the cool shaded grass.

4) Take frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration.

• Be sure to bring a full water bottle on your walk or walk your dog in a park that has dog water stations.
• Make sure you frequently stop to offer your dog water

5) Take your dog for walks in places that have a lake, pond or pool to cool off in.

• If there are off-leash beaches or parks with pools or ponds for dogs in your city these are great places to visit in the summer. Your dog will enjoy his or her time with other dog friends and also be able to cool off in the water when he or she gets hot.

Dog in photo is at Charleson Park waterfall in Vancouver

6) Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle.

• Never leave your dog in a hot car. If it is 30 degrees outside it is even hotter in the car. Even if you have the windows open you are still putting your dog at risk of heat stroke.
• Leave your pets at home if you know you can’t bring them with you when you leave the car.

7) Keep your dog’s hair long to provide a cooling mechanism in the summer. Do not shave it down.

•  A dog’s coat is designed to keep him or her cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By shaving your pet you will interfere with his or her natural temperature regulation.
• Shaving your dog’s hair down can actually lead to sunburn since the hair will no longer provide a barrier to the sun.

By keeping these tips in mind and being prepared before you spend time outdoors with your dog you will be able to enjoy your time out in the sun knowing you have done your part to help keep your dog safe.

The post How to Prevent Heat Related Illnesses in Dogs appeared first on Good Heels Dog Walking.

Physical Health Benefits

• Taking your dog on regular walks will help to prevent obesity. Most dogs love to eat and without the appropriate burning of calories, food can turn into extra pounds. Extra pounds on your dog puts them at risk for health issues such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease etc.
• Regular walks help to improve your dog’s joint health. Exercise helps to build stronger muscles and bones. This will improve joint stability.
• Walking your dog will improve his digestive health and aid in relieving constipation.

Mental Health Benefits

• Walking will help to keep your dog mentally stimulated to prevent boredom.
• Dogs are trained how to walk well on a leash. They are constantly being mentally stimulated to perform good behaviour, such as loose leash walking or heeling, in the chance that they will be rewarded with a treat.
• Dogs love to go on walks, sniff and explore around outdoors. Walks make most dogs very happy!

Behavioural Benefits

• Regular walks can help reduce or eliminate any of your pet’s destructive chewing, digging, or scratching by giving them something else to do to relieve their boredom.
• Regular walks can help to alleviate extra energy your dog may have thereby reducing any hyperactivity, excitability, and even nighttime activity. Your dog will be more relaxed and tired at bedtime especially if he has had a nice long evening walk.
• Behaviours such as jumping on people and all over the furniture can be a sign of pent up energy. Regular walks will help to stop these behaviours from occurring as your dog will be able to expel his energy in a positive way through exercise.

Socialization Opportunities

• Depending where you chose to walk your dog, you may encounter lots of opportunities for socialization. He will likely see and meet lots of different people, dogs and other animals.
• Walking your dog early on when he is a puppy is very important and may help to prevent behavioural issues as he grows up. Under-socialized puppies often become fearful, shy, unconfident, anxious, unhappy, unstable and sometimes even fear-aggressive.

Improved Bond Between Dog and Owner

• Walking your dog regularly helps to improve the bond you have with him. He will love you for taking him on the walk and both of you will enjoy the time you spend together.
• Your dog will likely whine at you to play at home less often if he is exercised by going on walks more often. You will therefore be a lot more happier with him and want to reward him for being a good dog.
• Walking strengthens the trust and respect your dog has for you (the owner) which will strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Now that you know the reasons why you should walk your dog, get out there and give your dog a nice long walk to show him how much you care for him!

Safety is just as important as the health benefits that walking provides your dog so make sure you have all the correct equipment before you head out on your walk by reading one of our other blogs 8 Dog Walking Equipment Essentials.

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