Tips for Walking Your Boston Terrier in the Colder Winter Months

Tips For Walking Your Boston Terrier In The Colder Winter Months

It’s time to put away the tank tops, flip-flops and brace yourself for the upcoming winter season. Humans spend a lot of time preparing themselves for the changes in seasons. One important aspect of this transition is also preparing your pets for the colder winter months. They rely completely on their owners to ensure they are kept protected, warm and happy in lower temperatures. Rain or shine, dogs still need adequate amounts of exercise. This is why, regardless of weather, your dogs will require some walking time.

For Boston Terriers, owners should be very proactive about making sure that these little guys aren’t just ready for the winter season but can outlast it comfortably. Boston Terriers are mostly independent breeds and believe that they can handle anything. However, they will definitely be looking to you when it comes to helping them adjust to the differences in temperature, especially when taking them out for walks. Here are some great tips you can follow when walking your Boston Terrier in the colder winter months.

1. Secure Your Pet with a Collar, Dog Harness and Leash

First and foremost, your Boston Terrier should always be properly secured when you take him out for a walk. This is essential anytime your pet leaves the safe confines of your home walls. You don’t want him getting loose and running away, potentially putting himself and others in danger. The last thing you want is for your little dog to get lost, especially in the cold where he risks his health that much more.

His collar should have identification and your contact info just in case he happens to stray away from you. Adding a harness will give you peace of mind that he’s secure and by your side at all times. Not to mention, a Boston Terrier harness is easily adjustable and can be great for training your doggie obedience. The little robots option is ideal for small dog harnesses.

A leash will, of course, allow you to control how much slack you allow your pet to roam. The best recommendation is to give him minimal freedom until he has become more accustomed to walks and you can trust he won’t try and get into too many things like ice patches or bushes.

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2. Protect Your Pet’s Paws

Just like the heat, cold pavement, dirt and asphalt can do a number on a pet’s paws. Your little guys can’t say anything to you but you’ll know they’re hurting if they start to jump around once they place their paws on the ground. Although their paws are pretty tough, you can help protect them even more by giving them booties or socks that are specifically made for walking.

You wouldn’t walk barefoot on uncomfortable temperature ground so you wouldn’t expect to have your little doggie do it either. There are a lot of types and styles available for all sized breeds. Be ready because if your dog is not used to wearing booties or socks, he may take a little time to adjust to wearing them.

3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Sweater

Sure, dog fur and hair is supposed to protect our animals from the really cold weather. However, it’s important to remember that they are not full on body shields. If you notice after you’ve given your dog a bath, he begins to shake when you turn off the water because he is legitimately cold. It doesn’t hurt to invest in getting your Boston Terrier a nice and warm sweater he can wear when you take him out for a walk.

Another thing you might want to keep in mind is the color of the sweater. The brighter the color, the easier it is for people to see you on the walk, which just enhances the safety of you both, especially when walking through busy streets. There are options available for sweaters that are made specifically for taking dogs on walks.

4. Gauge the Time of the Walk

Of course, the time of the day will determine how cold it is for both you and your Boston Terrier. If possible, try to avoid taking your dog out during the early morning or late evenings. The lack of sunlight will definitely make it much colder to go for a walk. The optimal time is mid-afternoon when the temperatures are the highest. This will make it much easier to withstand some of the harshest temperatures, depending on where you reside.

5. Have a Path Set in Mind

The more prepared you are, the more proactive you can be about keeping both you and your pet safe and ready for the walk. Anticipate the path you’ll be taking in advance. Maybe during the warmer climates, you always take your doggie on a particular trail. Since it’s colder, you might want to figure out an alternative to that path that cuts it down in terms of distance and time. Being mindful of this will help you keep your little guy from being in the cold for too long. Once it gets warmer again, you can transition back into that normal path that he had been so accustomed to. He will adjust accordingly, as long as you guide him in the right direction.

Just because mother nature wants to make you stay inside all day and bundle up by the heater, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some alternatives to take when you need to take your little doggie for a walk. In fact, it can be extremely helpful for him to be exposed to different types of weather throughout the year. As an animal of nature, giving him multiple opportunities to face different environments will certainly expand his horizons and give him a chance to strengthen his tolerance for weather. Dogs who remain inside year-round can become complacent, obese and anti-social. Don’t let the ill weather stop you and your companion from getting some quality time and exercise together. Following these easy and vital tips will give you reassurance for your little Boston Terrier’s safety and comfort, particularly in the coldest weather.