Once the temperatures start dropping across Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs, daily walks need a little extra thought. Cold weather does not have to mean skipped walks, it just means a few adjustments to keep dogs safe and comfortable.
Watch for paw sensitivity on icy or salted sidewalks. Rock salt and ice melt products can irritate paw pads and are not safe if licked off afterward, so wiping paws down with a damp towel after a walk is a good habit through the winter months. Booties are an option for dogs who tolerate them well.
Shorter, more frequent walks tend to work better than one long walk once it gets truly cold, especially for smaller breeds, older dogs, or dogs with short coats who lose body heat faster. A sweater or coat can help on the coldest days. Fresh water matters just as much in winter as summer, dogs can get dehydrated in cold weather too.
Lake effect snow can move in fast around Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Kenmore, so a walk might need to be shortened or rescheduled around the worst of it. Being flexible with timing keeps everyone safer without skipping care altogether.