Between freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, winter can make it difficult for your dog to get sufficient exercise. But veterinarians agree that regular walks are just as important in winter as they are at any other time of the year. In honor of Walking Your Dog Day on February 22, below are a few veterinarian-approved tips for walking your dog in the cold, and sometimes challenging, conditions of winter.

3 Wintertime Dog-Walking Tips

1. Dress Warmly

Both you and your beloved pooch need to dress warmly for winter walks. It is especially important for shorthaired or small dogs to have proper coats; they simply do not have the fur or body weight to keep themselves effectively insulated from the cold. No matter the size of your dog or their type of coat, all canines should have winter booties. These protect the delicate skin of the paws from the cold underfoot; they also prevent the paws from picking up salt, sand, and gravel that can damage a dog's sensitive paw-pads.

2. Choose a Sturdy Leash

Wintertime can be an adventure for your dog: fun drifts of snow to romp in, rabbits scurrying across wintry yards, and neighborhood kids sledding or ice-skating with glee. Any of these types of adventures-waiting-to-happen can be tempting for your dog and excite them to a point that they try to join in the fun. For their safety, keep them on a sturdy leash. If you and your dog are used to using a retractable one, feel free to continue using it. But, a fixed-length leash will give you better control and allow you to reign in Fido if he gets too excited.

3. Be Mindful of Where You're Walking

Be extra careful where you choose to walk during winter. Ice can be especially insidious and hard to spot, and one wrong step could require a veterinarian visit for your dog or a trip to the ER for you. Avoid overly icy walkways and snow-covered paths, and never walk in the street. Aim for sidewalks that are at least relatively clear. Always keep an eye out several paces ahead so, if you hit a patch of ice or snow, you can navigate around it.

Following these tips will ensure your dog is safe and protected as they take in the joys of winter. If they suffer an injury, or just need regular veterinarian services like checkups or tests, trust Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. They have two locations in Boone County, MO: one in Columbia's Keene Estates neighborhood and another in Oak Forest. In addition to routine care, they offer pet emergency treatment, spaying and neutering, and pet boarding and grooming. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, contact them by calling (573) 449-7387 or visiting them online.