When the weather gets horribly cold, it is really difficult to give our pet dogs the long walks and runs outside that they come to love. Feet freeze, making in painful to walk very far. Sometimes dogs may have accidents in the house because it is too hard on their feet to get in place to potty outside. Also their potty area may now be covered with snow, making it hard to recognize their potty area. While these accidents are forgivable they are also very aggravating. 

What to do? First of all, be sure to keep your dogs on a feeding schedule. Do not leave food down all day. Dogs will usually need to potty within a half hour of eating, so now you can predict when they will need to go and not have to spend so much time outside. Take your pet out for short but more frequent breaks. Even if your pet is confined for most of the day 3 - 5 minute walks in the evening still work like the one 15 minute walk. You may give them the first chance to eliminate, come in for 5 minutes then go on out again to finish up.

Offering a potty pad in the home may be another way to help out the toy breeds. Small dogs under 5 pounds are especially prone to the stress of the cold, so having a house toilet is a good idea.  

Always use a leash on your pet outside. A distracted pet may not be able to come home due to painful feet, and then really get in trouble due to the cold. 

Booties and jackets are a good idea. An old sweatshirt does a great job when the temperature suddenly dips. Even socks on your pet’s paws can help them walk better. Just be sure to remove them when you come in, and use masking tape rather than a rubber band to hold them up. 

Lastly, find ways to play and get exercise in the house. Games of chase up and down the stairs review what commands your pet knows or teach them a new trick can decrease boredom and naughty behaviors that come from that.

If your pet is driving you crazy, give us a call. Take a look at the behavior services we offer.