Safety First! Reflectors and Light Collars
Dark in the morning, dark in the evening - in autumn and winter, we see very little sun during our morning and evening walks. But it doesn't matter, the dog needs to be taken out and important business needs to be done. To ensure you are well visible on your walks, a collar or harness with reflectors is essential to →get through the cold months. Because even though you can see everything well with streetlights and other lighting, drivers and cyclists sometimes have a hard time recognizing you in time. Here, it's: Safety First!
Also, light collars for dogs are very practical. They not only ensure that you don't lose sight of your dog. Other dog-human teams out and about can also see you in time and possibly call and leash their dog. After all, it's not so nice for our four-legged friends when they suddenly find themselves nose to nose in the dark.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Dank Reflektoren an Geschirr und Halsband seid ihr im Dunkeln gut zu sehen!
(Rain) Jackets, Sweaters & Coats for Cold Dogs
Putting a jacket on a dog is pure anthropomorphism for many. And yes, a four-legged friend in a raincoat looks cute, but is it really necessary? That depends on your four-legged friend! In fact, there are dog breeds that have very short fur and no undercoat and thus start to feel cold as early as autumn. So it's no wonder if dachshund Lucy or Podenco mix Milo want to turn back after just a few meters - it’s simply too cold for them.
So if you notice that your dog is increasingly reluctant to go outside and wants to shorten every walk, then investing in a raincoat, fleece sweater, or a cozy warm coat for winter can be a real game or walking changer.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Während Schäferhund Rex durch sein dickes Winterfell geschützt ist, friert sich Dackeldame Lucy den Poppes ab! Hier kann ein Mantel für mehr Freude auf den Spaziergängen sorgen.
By the way! If your dog has a →dense winter coat and doesn't need a winter coat, you should especially pack a thin sweater for playdates or sporty outings. If the dogs have run a lot outside and then need to walk calmly on a leash or sit down somewhere with you, they can cool down quickly (despite their winter coat).
Light on Their Paws Thanks to Paw Care
A pedicure for the dog? Another topic where many wonder: Is that necessary? Let's take a look at the winter wonderland: While you can barely keep your balance on the salted paths with your sturdy winter boots, your dog seems to effortlessly run over ice and snow. So far, so good, because the paw pads of our dogs are designed to withstand gravel, road salt, and snow.
However, daily walks over ice and grit irritate the robust calluses and cause small cracks. If these go untreated, the skin becomes increasingly brittle, the cracks get larger and more painful, and an inflammation is pre-programmed. With the →appropriate paw care, you can easily prevent this and optimally support your dog on your winter walks.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Du musst deinem Hund keine Winterstiefel anziehen, schon ein bisschen Pfotenpflege schützt vor Rissen in der Haut durch die eisige Witterung.
Avoid Painful Snow Clumps in Dog Fur
Does your dog make a big leap into the freshly fallen snow and come out as a Yeti? What looks funny and cute is often quite painful for our furry friends. Dogs with long, curly fur often have the problem that snow clumps form in their coat. Especially on the paws and legs, they can be quite painful as they tug at the fur and freeze so solidly that they become heavy ice clumps and the dogs can no longer walk.
To prevent this, you can have the fur of your dog professionally trimmed on the paws and legs. Because snow can only settle where there is long fur. A little coat or sweater can also help to protect the fur from snow. If your dog still struggles with snow clumps on their legs and paws, it's better to let them only walk on cleared paths.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Manche Hunde schütteln sich den Schnee einfach ab, andere haben mit dicken Schneeklumpen zu kämpfen. Ein Mantel kann hier vorteilhaft sein.
Note! Please try not to pull the snow clumps out of your dog's fur. This is very painful for your dog. Instead, you should gently rinse the snow off at home with lukewarm water and then rub your dog dry.
Drying Your Dog Well at Home
Speaking of drying! Especially in autumn, a sudden rain shower can surprise you during a walk. Unlike in summer, these are quite cold, and you often arrive home soaking wet and frozen.
Even if dogs have a dense coat - or especially because of it - they can get cold quickly if it is soaked and not dried properly. To prevent a cold, you should rather give them a good rub down with a towel or put on a bathrobe for dogs, and your four-legged friend will be warm and dry in no time. And by the way, you'll have less mess in the house too!
Schnee und Eis können zu Hause mit lauwarmem Wasser abgeduscht werden. Gut abtrocknen, Pfoten eincremen & ab aufs kuschelige Sofa!
Many Treats for Good Mood
Just like us two-legged beings, our four-legged friends crave some treats in the dark, cold season. The good news: Some dogs need more energy in winter and can thus get a bit more food or enjoy a few tasty snacks!
If your dog isn't stepping outside in winter, you might be able to convince them with one or another snack. A tasty search game, where you hide small treats in the bark of trees, might be just the kind of →activity your four-legged friend wishes for on your walks in autumn and winter.
Of course, you should still keep an eye on your furry friend's weight! A little winter weight is normal, but it shouldn't turn into spring rolls.
