We’ve got 5 springtime dog walking tips for our friends today. Even if you are like us, and walk 365 days a year, there are some things to keep in mind to keep your dog safe.
5 Springtime Dog Walking Tips
1. Ease into your walking.
If you walk like we do, 365 days a year, the stamina is already there. Many people don’t walk their dogs in the winter, so start slowly and build up to longer walks. Just like you can’t simply get off the couch and walk several miles, your dog can’t either. Actually, your dog will do it for you, but it is hard on their joints and muscles, so take a week or two to build up to longer walks.
2. Don’t slip on the ice.
In winter climates, the melting snow causes lots of ice on walkways, especially in the morning. Like humans, dogs can slip and fall on ice, and like humans, they can get seriously injured. Make sure you either avoid the ice altogether, or take is slow and steady with your dog. Never let your dog run on the ice.
3. Watch the temperature.
The weather has been cold for months, so even 50 or 60 degrees will seem quite warm to you and your dog. Watch your dog for signs of being too warm. Carry some water along if temperatures are above 60 degrees. Just as you acclimate to warmer weather in time, so will your dog. Try to find shadier spots to walk if the weather is suddenly very warm.
4. Beware of thin ice.
Dogs and people fall through the ice a lot in the springtime. Keep your dog off the ice, and keep her on leash if there is water in the area. Even the neighborhood pond is a danger to dogs. It is very difficult to get a dog out of the water if they fall in and start to panic, so keep them away from thin ice to begin with.
5. Ticks are out and about.
Did you know that ticks don’t die in the winter. They just sleep, but when temps go above freezing, they wake up and start looking for spots to grab onto. Just because there is snow on the ground doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t need tick repellent. Make sure your dog is ready to fight the ticks, and check her over after she has been outdoors. Ticks have already been found here in Minnesota where we live.
Do you follow our springtime dog walking tips? We hope everyone gets out and about and stays safe and healthy. Of course, we still have our paws crossed for more snow, but in the meantime, we are dealing with springtime on our walks.
isn’t that crazy? we still have such more winterish temperatures but the ticks are still there…
Ticks are just nasty and way to hearty!
Bailie you look so very white and beautiful! Mom is letting me use her computer today. She is moving a little better, but continues to use a walker like thingy which scares me a little bit. XOXO, Spsrkle
Those walker things are scary. We have them in obedience class when we are puppies.
All great tips! Especially watching for ticks.
Can’t believe humans put people into space but can’t get rid of ticks!
Those were great tips but yikes on those evil ticks!
I know. They are so bad.
great reminders!
Thank you.
Mosquitoes, and fleas, and ticks, yuck!
More reasons why we love winter so much.
Except for the picture of the tick (yuck!) mom and I loved all the photos. Bailie with the flower is adorable!!! We always love your walking tips. Mom is so proud when she says: my pups have walked every day of their lives! Even when I had my ACL surgery mom had me out there in the front yard “walking”. We are a walking family!
have a great day. your friend Lilly
Staying fit with walking is so important, but so many dogs never get to go on walks, or hardly ever. That is sad.
I love the leash and flower photo! Everything was so cute, right up until I saw the tick in the fur – SCARY!
Ticks are real, so we have to remember they are out there.
Great tips indeed and we need to be ever watchful for ticks, fleas, and other awful things.
Have a fabulous day. Scritches to all the pups. ♥
Crazy how small things can make such big problems.
Those are great tips, girls, and yes, we have already seen the ticks here. YUCK!
They spoil everything so quickly!
We do follow those tips! We walk in the winter too so don’t have to worry about #1 either, even though we don’t walk every day in the winter. Luckily we haven’t had to deal with as much ice this spring as usual too. We’re dreading seeing that first tick, but know it’s only a matter of time! ugh!
Those awful things are out there!
We have to use tick preventive year ‘round here. Excellent tips!
We do too because we travel and often to places that are not as cold as here.
Great tips, especially about ticks being out already. They are dirty buggers.
Ticks are so rotten!
We are loving the longer days because that means we get extra walks in the evening with our Dad. These are great tips, ticks are alive 365 here because it never gets too cold so we make sure we are always checked and protected.
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
We don’t like the longer days around here because it means Mom stays busy longer but glad some people enjoy the time change. Mornings are our time and we are back in he dark.
Great tips! Darn ticks, however.
They are so rotten. How can something so small be so dangerous?
We are so thankful that we’re well enough to walk again! Now if that stupid coronavirus will disappear that’d make us happy!
That virus is making my mom cranky. Hope it goes away soon.
Love reading your blog!
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