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!
English (US) · 