12/06/2025
It’s been a bit cold & snowy this week! 🥶
When walking dogs in colder temperatures I am always mindful of how long I’m out walking small breeds who feel the cold more than big floofy dogs, so walks are kept to a minimum (after they’ve done their business!) 🚽👍
Larger dogs and breeds with thick winter coats are better able to tolerate the cold. 🐕❄️
For the remainder of their scheduled walk we'll either visit some stores, or if convenient, I may hang out with the dog at their home to play some scent games, or do some fun training exercises! And some dogs may just want to snuggle and have a gentle massage instead. 👐💆♀️
Frankie enjoys massages sometimes after her walks whilst I’m cleaning her off. When done regularly dogs really start to enjoy them, and feel the many benefits. 😴
On snowy walks I also check the pads on their paws for any color changes. I also feel the tips of the ears & tail to check they are not too cold. (These areas are more exposed to the elements and can get frostbite in freezing temps!). There is also a test you can carry out to check your dog’s circulation known as the ‘capillary refill test’ (CRT).
➡️Gently press your index finger onto your dog’s gums for a couple of seconds - you should see the gums turn white.
➡️Then release your finger and the gums should turn back to a healthy pink color after 1-2 seconds.
➡️This test tells you if your dog has poor circulation, is dehydrated, or suffering from shock.
[If your dog's gums have black pigment like mine, it can be a bit difficult to check this, unless you know your dog’s normal gum color].
In snowy weather you can apply paw wax to your dog’s paws to add a protective barrier, better grip and to also moisturize the pads, which get dry, sore or cracked in winter weather.
After walks be sure to wipe paws thoroughly to remove any salt that’s tossed down as this is toxic to dogs if they ingest too much! I also bathe my dog’s paws in epsom salts during winter time to remove any pollutants, dirt, salt to thoroughly clean them, moisturise and soothe dry, cracked pads. I keep the fur around his pads & between his toes short to avoid ice/snow clumps gathering! Dogs' paws take a lot of punishment this time of the year so I like to give my dog a few pedicures over winter time. 💅👣🛀
Frankie also enjoyed walking and hanging out with Adelaide, her new little friend. How cute are these two? 💕🐾
Happy Friday everyone from Frankie & me! 🤗🎉
