Winter Dog Walking Tips From The Pros
With high winds, black ice, and several feet of snow, walking your dog during the winter in Grand Rapids can be a huge challenge. But when you’re a proud dog parent, trekking through the snow is pretty unavoidable.
Below, our team of expert dog walkers in Grand Rapids share some of their pro tips to manage winter walks with your pup!
Guard yourself from the cold!
SNO SEAL!! That stuff is amazing! I went from having boots that soaked up water like a sponge to walking through ankle-deep puddles with no problem at all! I put one or two coats on throughout the winter and my feet stay dry and toasty all day, it’s sooo nice!
HAND & TOE WARMERS!! I put an extra pair of hand warmers in the front pockets of my snow pants for a little extra heat. Quads are the biggest muscles in your body so a little extra heat on them helps your whole body. – Kym
Protect Your Skin and Your Dog’s Fur.
Wear a face mask! The best ones are the light-weight tubes that hang around your neck and pulled up to cover your face. Most outdoor shops sell them and amazon does of course. Scarves work great too if you can pull them over your face.
If you have a dog that collects a snowman’s worth of snow on their feet every walk, invest in a cheap soft-bristled brush. They do a great job brushing away snow. However, be gentle, because those snowballs can hurt if you pull too hard. – Kailey
Feet First.
The best thing I use is my Saucony arctic grip shoes. They are running shoes with cold weather gripping system. Then depending on how much snow or ice I’ll add my Yaktrax to the show, it’s like putting chains on tires in the winter! – Megan
Don’t Forget About Your Pup!
Mushers Secret is an all natural wax that goes on the bottom of your dog’s feet. The consistency is like chapstick and it’s completely pet friendly (made with beeswax and vitamin E). It works wonders with keeping your pups feet protected from the elements, as well as road salt. It also helps keep snowballs from forming in between toes, and it moisturizes and soothes dry/cracked paws!
If your dog is small or has a thin coat of hair, a sweater or jacket will help keep them comfortable during their walk. Make sure to measure your dog before going to the pet store. When looking for the proper fit, make sure that the garment does not get in the way of urination, impede movement or scratch/irritate your pup’s skin. It is good to periodically check areas such as the stomach or around the legs to see if there has been any rubbing. Some dogs are allergic to specific materials – keep an eye on your dog to see if they start scratching or sneezing while wearing their new ensemble. – Jackie
Do you have some awesome tips to help survive the winter in Grand Rapids? Leave a comment below to be a part of the conversation!
Great tips from great folks👍