Winter is here. Wherever you live, the days are shorter and a bit cooler. You might be dealing with 10 centimeters of fresh snow, a steady downpour of rain or some less than sunny days – regardless of the weather change, it does have a big impact on your dog. Your dog’s health and happiness should not suffer with the changing seasons and crisp weather. While it’s tempting to hibernate indoors and wait for the sun to come out again, your dog needs her daily exercise. This time outside walking, running, sniffing around and looking for the perfect stick is critical to your dog’s joint health and emotional well-being. To help you and your dog get through the winter months happy and healthy, we’ve compiled our most popular winter dog tips into one blog post. Of course, we do want to hear from you. Visit the Leaps & Bounds Facebook community page and share your top winter dog tips with us. Tell us how you keep your dog healthy, happy, and eager to get outside when the weather is less than welcoming.

 

How to Make the Most of Winter with Your Dog

There is nothing wrong with going on your usual morning and evening dog walks during the winter, but how about spicing things up with some new winter dog activities. Take a look at our suggestions and get outdoors to truly enjoy the best of the winter months.

• Take a hike: get off the windy sidewalks and find shelter from the wind in the woods. The trees and will keep you protected from the winter wind and your dog will have a blast exploring a new area. Look for local hiking areas and greenspaces that are dog friendly and aren’t overcrowded with cross-country skiers or fat bikers.
• Skijoring: there is nothing quite like enjoy the skis with your dog. Check with your vet first, and once you get the okay, hit up the local ski trails with your dog. Learn more about skijoring on the Skijoring USA website.
• Dog park fun: your dog is a pack animal and he needs the company of other dogs. The dog park is an ideal way to let your dog play with other dogs and to burn off some energy. This time spent with other dogs is critical to preventing depression and boredom in your dog. To help you stay warm while your dog is dashing around with his pals, remember to bring a thermos full of hot chocolate.

How do you make the most of the winter months with your dog? Tag us in your Instagram photos of you and your dog enjoying the outdoors.

 

Top Tips for Safe Winter Dog Walking

Shorter days, icy sidewalks, pouring rain, and piles of snow can make your winter dog walks a bit of a challenge. When getting ready for your dog walks, keep these safe winter dog walking tips in mind.

• Light up and be bright: your morning and evening dog walks are in the dark. This means it’s hard for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other dog walkers to see you. The brighter you and your dog are – the better. Put a light on your dog’s collar, use a leash that has blinking lights, wear a reflective vest over your coat, and carry a flashlight. Not only will you see better, but you’ll be easy to spot. Above all else, don’t assume that others can see you – be alert at all times when crossing intersections, driveways, and the street.
• Use the leash: yes, your dog is well-trained and can be trusted to walk off leash. But your dog (like every other dog) is easily distracted by new smells, squirrels, and other dogs. Choose a leash that is comfortable for your dog and is easy for you to control. You want to keep your dog safe from running into the street or from walking into an area that is not safe for his tender paws.
• Dress for the weather: this means both you and your dog need to be ready for the winter weather. Invest in a quality dog coat that suits the climate you’re in. If your streets are treated with salt or are covered in ice and snow – make sure you protect your dog’s tender paws. There are lots of boots available that can give your dog both traction and protection from the elements. When it’s quite cold or incredibly wet, it’s okay to shorten your dog walk. Pay attention to shivering and if your dog simply stops walking, this is a sign that it’s time to head home.

When you get in from your walk, dry your dog off and check his paws for any clumps of ice or snow. If you do notice any cracks or sores in your dog’s paws or on his skin, take your dog to the vet for treatment. If you have a senior dog, you might want to buy a heated dog bed for your dog to relax in after your winter walks. The heat will ease any dog joint discomfort and be a welcome place to nap after a run in the dog park. Make the most of the winter this year with your dog. Who knows, you just might discover a new favorite place to walk or your dog might be a natural at skijoring. And yes, if it’s sideways snow or freezing rain – it’s okay to stay in and cuddle up in front of the fireplace. Here’s to a happy and healthy winter with your dog.

It might seem early to be thinking about the holiday season, but we’re here to remind you that the fall and winter holiday season is looming. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and so many other holidays – you’re going to be busy. This busy holiday time means you need to do some planning, including how you’ll keep your dog safe during the holiday season. Things like Halloween treats and packaging, tinsel, party food on low tables, and holiday visitors can all be hazards for your dog. Daily life can get crazy during holiday season and we want you to be confident that your dog is safe, cared for, and is still getting his daily walks and exercise. Remember that even on the busiest of days, it’s important that your dog gets out for a walk and run in the park – his joint health and mental health depend on this. Keep reading for our top tips on how to keep your dog safe during the holiday season. If you have tips on how you keep your dog safe from holiday hazards and temptations, share them with us on the Leaps and Bounds Facebook community page.

Dogs and Holiday Visitors

It’s important to remember that not every dog wants to meet new people and not every visitor to your home wants to meet a new dog. Think long and hard about your dog’s temperament when getting ready for the holiday season. If you have a shy, nervous, aggressive, reactive, or senior dog – it is a good idea to make sure your dog has a safe quiet and comfortable place in your home during holiday festivities. Give your dog the space, security, and confidence that he needs to reinforce that he is safe during your Christmas party or as trick-or-treaters ring the doorbell all night. Even if your dog is friendly and receptive to new people, remember that it’s easy for your dog to be overwhelmed with the constant noise, people coming and going, and changes in routine that come with the holiday season. Pay keen attention to how your dog is responding and make sure your dog is kept comfortable and safe – this means also paying attention to how your visitors treat your dog.

Dogs and Holiday Decorations

Oh, that tinsel, table runner, and scented candle are so tempting for your curious dog. It’s easy to understand how an innocent little sniff or tap of the paw can quickly result in chaos in your home. While you want to have your home decked out and decorated for the holidays, it’s key that you remember how easy it is for even the most well-behaved dog to get tempted by new smells and decorations. Keep in mind the following tips when decorating for the holidays:

• Christmas tree: secure your tree and make sure that the tree water is not an accessible temptation for your dog. Do not let your dog drink the tree water, since it can contain fertilizers and bacteria from stagnant water.
• No tinsel: there is something about tinsel that is so tempting for dogs. The easiest solution is to simply avoid tinsel. Know that eating tinsel can cause a serious obstruction in your dog’s digestive tract.
• Candles: if you’re going to use candles, don’t leave them burning unattended and keep them elevated out of your dog’s reach.
• Noisy decorations: the spooky Halloween decorations or the ornaments that play music can be scary for your dog. Try to limit the number of these noisy decorations you have in your home and think about not using them at all.

Dogs and Holiday Food

We can’t stress this enough – your dog should not be eating people food. Yes, your dog is interested in your food, but this doesn’t mean you should give it to him. It’s super important during the holiday season that you remember these key dog and food rules:

• No sweets: chocolate and anything with xylitol in it is very dangerous for your dog. Do not let your dog get close the Halloween candy, the holiday chocolates, or any holiday baking. Remember your dog has a strong sense of smell, so make sure that garbage, compost, or leftovers are not left unattended.
• No alcohol: this should be obvious, but it’s so easy to place your glass of beer or other cocktail on the floor or on a low table. The next thing you know, your dog has had a sniff and a slurp or two. Ask your guests to pay attention to where they’re placing their drink and try to keep your dog in another part of the house when you’ve got guests and alcohol.
• Yes to treats: yes your dog can have some treats at Halloween or during the holidays – just make sure these treats are safe for your dog. Think of your dog’s joint health and remember to keep Leaps & Bounds soft chews around for when your dog needs a treat or reward.

Dogs and Your Holiday Home

Your dog is part of your family and we know that you want him to be part of your holiday festivities. However, it’s important to remember that your dog doesn’t have the same capability as you to communicate. Pay attention to your dog’s mood and behavior patterns. Remember that your dog likes routine, so interruptions to this routine such as missing walks, shortened playtime, or busy evenings and weekends with parties and guests – can all cause your dog to misbehave, become depressed, and to simply not be his or her best doggy self.

You want nothing more than a long, happy, and healthy life for your beloved dog. Because you’re so close to your dog, it’s easy to overlook signs of aging and slowing down. While no two dogs have the same activity and energy levels, we do know that middle-aged and senior dogs do start to slow down (just like us humans). This slow-down doesn’t mean the end of a full and robust life – it just means you need to make a few adjustments to accommodate your dog’s needs. Remember that your dog is smart and our pets tend to hide signs of aging for as long as possible. Be on the lookout for signs that your dog is struggling or simply ageing with these signs: your dog is sleeping more or has a slight limp or is losing weight. These are all signs that indicate you and your dog should visit your veterinarian. We’ve put together some tips on things you can do to help give your senior dog a healthy life. Remember, before making any big changes to your dog’s diet, activity levels, or lifestyle – discuss these with your veterinarian.

Know Your Breed

Every breed of dog has different health concerns and lifespan range. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the needs of your breed.

• Golden Retriever. Higher rate of cancer. Average age of 12.
• High rate of mast cell tumors. Average age of 9.
• Cavalier Spaniels. High rate of heart and/or cardiac health disease.
• Susceptible to periodontal disease.
• Bulldogs and pugs. At a higher risk for heat exhaustion, fatigue, and issues related to surgical anesthesia. Bulldogs have an average of 6 and pugs have an average age of 11.
• Siberian Husky. Susceptible to autoimmune diseases of the skin.
• German Shepherd. This large breed is prone to hip dysplasia.
• Labrador Retriever. Often become overweight which can lead to joint health and mobility problems. Average age of 12.

This article by PetMD is an excellent resource for learning about the average expected age of your dog.

Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Diet

Just like us humans, your dog needs quality food for his entire life. As your dog ages, his dietary needs can change. Discuss your dog’s health with your veterinarian and ask about special dog food formulations that can help ease any health issues and extend the quality of life. Make sure your senior dog is getting enough of these key nutrients:

• Water: many older dogs do not drink enough, which can make any existing health problems worse.
• Protein: protein is essential to help your senior dog retain muscle mass. Just like humans, dogs lose muscle mass as they age.
• Fat: fat is critical for brain function, talk to your veterinarian about food that has optimal fat levels for your senior dog.
• Minerals: sodium and potassium are essential in maintaining heart and kidney health.
• Carbohydrates: your dog needs carbohydrates to maintain his energy levels. Discuss this with your veterinarian.

If your dog is not well, you will need to discuss his dietary needs with your veterinarian. It’s key that your dog is provided with food that tastes good and that she wants to eat. When your dog is not feeling 100%, her appetite can be compromised.

Safe and Natural Supplements

It’s important that you follow your veterinarian’s advice when it comes to giving your dog supplements. There are so many supplements available on the market, that it’s very hard to know which ones are tested and proven to be safe for dogs. Know that SierraSil’s Leaps & Bounds is an all-natural joint health mobility supplement that is backed by proven research.

Support Mobility Needs

Your senior dog is most definitely walking, running, jumping, sleeping, and sitting differently than when he was a puppy. This means you need to make adjustments to support these new mobility needs.

• Dog bed: if your senior dog has a thinning coat or struggles to sleep comfortably – look for a new dog bed. Choose a dog bed that can be heated or has extra padding and is easy to access. There are even special dog beds with vibration and heat settings that are ideal for easing dog arthritis pains (do discuss this with your veterinarian first).
• Ramps: if you have steps outside or in your home or have a vehicle that requires a big jump, consider installing ramps. These ramps can ease any stress your dog has about getting around in his home and into and out of your vehicle.
• Carpeting: slippery floors are hard for older dogs to walk on. Using area rugs or non-slip mats can prevent falls and slips. As well this extra layer can provide some warmth to your dog when he’s napping.
• Harness: pay attention to how your dog is walking and responding to his harness. The current harness might be creating pressure points that make walks uncomfortable.
• Water and food bowls: as your dog’s mobility changes, it can be harder for her to eat and drink. Look for food and water bowls that are elevated so your dog doesn’t need to strain.

Do you have advice on how to ease mobility challenges for senior dogs? Visit the Leaps & Bounds Facebook community page and share your senior dog experience with us.

Regular Veterinary Appointments

While you love your dog, you’re not an expert on dog health – so make sure you’re seeing your veterinarian regularly. Listen to your vet’s advice and pay attention to how these changes impact the quality of your senior dog’s life. Your veterinarian will check for signs of ageing and disease including dental disease, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and any breed-associated conditions. Ask as many questions as you want and make sure you leave the appointment understanding what you need to do to give your dog the highest quality of life possible.

Cuddles and Hugs

Give your dog the attention, cuddles, hugs, and love she wants. You might find that while your dog doesn’t play as much, she wants to snuggle more or likes to be brushed more. Listen to your dog and give her whatever she needs to keep her feeling content, safe, and loved. If your dog loved playing at the dog park, but is no longer able to play with the other dogs – consider scheduling a doggie playdate with another dog of the same age, this gives your dog the chance to enjoy the company of another dog. Look for new ways to give your dog joy and happiness – chances are very high you’ll also feeling happier and more joyful.