January is Walk Your Dog Month and I am going to post about winter walking with a senior dog. Like it or not, we all, if we are lucky, become seniors. It makes life challenging at times and life changes a lot. Overall, I’m doing pretty well for going on thirteen but I am having a few issues with winter and being out in the elements. As most creatures do, I have some arthritis to deal with which changes my walking both in the house and out in the winter elements.
I love walking and I always want to go for walks but Mom has to make sure I am safe. We’ve had a lot of ice this winter and I have slipped a few times. My falls have been very gentle but still getting up is rough when you are on ice. The cold is also harder on my paws than it used to be. These days if it is getting close to going below zero, I wear my PAWZ boots. They are helpful in keeping my paws from being too cold and they provide me with some extra grip. With my leg muscles not as strong as they used to be, I can use some traction help. I don’t mind Mom putting them on and they don’t bother me at all when I am out walking.
Going out in the yard is also something I still enjoy, but I don’t stay out too long as I will get cold. I can spend more time outside when I am on a walk as all the moving keeps me warm. You need to know your dog’s limits and also be sensible about how long you think your dog can walk and spend time out in the cold. My furs are good at keeping me warm so I don’t need a coat. It really is only the very cold temps that force me to have shorter walks. I’ve been a winter lover my whole life and I’m super happy Mom still takes me on walks even in subzero temps but they are much shorter. Walking is good for my health too. I plan on walking in all weather as long as I am able to walk. The distance may be shorter in the future but I want to walk and winter walking is always fun even in the bone chilling cold we are having!
My GBGV Life is happy, so we’re joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!
Molly loved her winter coats, Bailie. Maybe you would like to wear one too? Be extra careful in the ice. Ice is so not nice!
No, none of us need a coat. I am plenty warm when I’m walking and I don’t really go out much during the day when it is super cold. My boots help keep me from slipping on my walks and Mom keeps all our walks around twenty minutes when it is below zero. Olivia and Nelson go out and romp around in the yard for short stints.
It sure looks plenty cold out there and I’m glad you have your boots and still enjoy those walks with your Mom!
I love the cold actually and if my paws are not getting frozen I can have a lot of fun still.
I love your little boots. So fashionable and helpful, too. 🌺💗 Happy Tuesday!
Thank you.They do keep me from getting paw freeze and it makes ice less slippery.
Your Mom takes very good care of you, Bailie. As much as your family likes cold weather, it does get more challenging over time. Hugs.
So far I love being out in the yard or walking as I don’t get cold usually but my paws have been a problem which the boots have solved.
We so remember altering our walks with our Angel Little Bit. She let us know when it was time to come home. Just as you do.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches to the precious pups and a big hug to mom. ♥
I love being out and about walking but I have to have my boots when it is really cold or I have trouble.
We love seeing you out and about Bailie! Jakey also loved walking just as much in his senior years as he did when he was younger!
Keep on Truckin’!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
On sunny days I like going to play in the yard a bit with Nelson too. I do sleep a lot, though, these days.
You are a trooper, Bailie, AND YOUR MOM TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF YOUR SENIOR NEEDS.
We do our best to understand each other and I really love my walks.
You sound like me. I have the same problems you do. Shorter walks are better for you in this type of freezing weather and can be just as enjoyable. As long as you have Mommy and me time everyone will be happy .
I love my mommy and me time but I also like walking with Nelson sometimes. He is a lot of fun and changes the tone of our walks.
Bailie you are a snow Queen. I love your booties and am happy to hear you and Mom can still take
strolls. As I have learned at my age way over 13, life is about adapting so I can keep moving.
I’ve heard there is really cold weather in your area and the weather folks are predicting a nasty snow/ic system might arrive in Dixie this weekend.
Hugs cecilia
It is January which is statistically the coldest month of the year here so it is not a surprise. I’m ready for it with my boots. Hope you don’t have a bad ice storm, they are not fun at all!
Great post and photos for winter and older doggies ~ hugs, ~ we are housebound as Mom has flu or something ~ sighs
Such a bummer when our mom’s are under the weather. We all feel bad and want to do nothing until she is better. Hope you feel better soon.
Mr. Cal has to wear a sweater but he agrees, he wouldn’t skip his walk, even if he is older, has more mobility issues, and gets cold faster. We just don’t stay out as long, and a bonus, I can carry him if I have to, he’s a small dog.
Mom carried Katie, our Kuvasz a few times in her last months. She was 80 lbs but Mom didn’t want to not walk her so when she fell or could not walk more Mom carried her home.
we use coats now too when the temps are below 0… winter is no good season for our older pups…
We never have coats, only as tiny pups if it is below zero fahrenheit. Our furs keep us nice and warm.
So glad you still enjoy going outside, even when it’s cold. We love dog booties; they help a little with traction but more importantly, they keep painful ice balls from forming in the paw pad after walks.
We don’t mind the snowballs too much but Bailie’s paws are more sensitive to cold these days and they give her some good grip.