5 Helpful Safety Tips for Walking Vizsla Dogs in the Snow

One of the best moments when winter comes is being able to walk and play with your dog outside. It is well known that dogs love to walk regardless of the weather, but the cold and snowy seasons also pose dangers for them. 

You have to prepare for this type of situation. Check the weather and temperature before going for a walk, as it can often be colder outside your home than you thought, and this is risky for your dog’s health. Choose the walking route closest to your home, so you can enjoy and play for a long time with your Vizsla and then you can return home safely. 

The important thing is that you have fun with your Vizsla playing in the snow while you take the necessary safety measures for it. 

Here are 5 useful safety tips for walking your Vizsla dog in the snow: 

Always Walk Your Dog on a Leash 

Never walk your pet off-leash in the winter. If your Vizsla is on a leash, it means that it is safe with you, since it is you who takes care of it and keeps it away from danger. 

Using a short leash is a good idea because it will allow you to be closer to your Vizsla. You will be able to control it better, and you will also be able to stop it if it is in danger. 

Situations such as: 

• A slip on the ice. 
• Frozen metallic objects. 
• Toxic waste and garbage. 
• Cars and cyclists. 

There are certain risks that can affect your Vizsla canine. Therefore, you must avoid long, extensible leashes, which provide little control of your pet. 

Dress Your Pet in Winter Clothes and Boots during Cold Weather 

Buy protective clothing for your Vizsla, such as a sweater or coat, especially if your pet is short-haired. Have more than one coat or sweater available when walking and playing in the snow with your canine. 

Your Vizsla most likely wants to wallow in the snow, so having two coats (one of them as a replacement) is a good idea, when it’s done playing you can replace its wet jacket with the dry one. 

There are many coats available for your Vizsla dogs that are easy to put on and take off. Just make sure you take the correct measurements for your pet and get a garment that fits well. 

Vizslas are large dogs, but with the exception of those with a lot of hair, this type of breed has little fur and can be exposed to the cold if you do not cover it adequately. 

That is the time of year when boots or booties become practical footwear for dogs. These garments will not only keep your pet’s paws warm and dry and protect them from toxic substances, but they will also prevent your Vizsla from slipping on the icy road or sidewalk. 

Don’t Let Your Canine Eat Harmful Substances and Garbage 

During the winter, many dog ​​owners do not act responsibly and think that the dog excrement will simply dissolve in the snow. That is not the case. As the snow melts, all of that debris becomes very apparent and is a huge public health concern, attracting rodents and spreading bacteria and disease. 

There are also people who tend to throw trash on the ground (wrappers, napkins, bags, etc.) that hide under the snow and are impossible to see unless the place is cleaned. Additionally, the chemicals used to melt ice, as well as road salt and antifreeze, are highly toxic and can contaminate other items that fall on the road and sidewalks. 

Make sure your Vizsla dog doesn’t eat anything outside. The best way to avoid this is by feeding your pet at home and taking treats with you in case it is hungry. 

Keep Your Dog Away from Metal 

Like humans, dogs can lick a metal object and peel their tongue in an effort to detach it from that material. Usually, that is very painful for any living being, so you have to take special measures in winter if you don’t want your Vizsla to suffer. 

The practical idea is to give your pet warm water in a plastic drinking container, rather than putting it in a metal container. 

There are other dangers in winter, such as: 

• Metal posts. 
• Metal plates. 
• Sewer covers. 
• Electric boxes. 

These hazards can generate an electric shock and are considered a risk to your Vizsla. Melted ice and snow, along with faulty wiring, can create a dangerous electrical situation, meaning you and your pet should stay away from metal. On the other hand, it is an excellent reason to keep your dog on a short leash when walking in winter. 

Give Your Pet Plenty of Water 

Winter is a dry time of year, and dehydration can affect dogs. People don’t realize how much they sweat in winter clothing, but dogs tend to pant and heavily breathe when exercising, which gives off a lot of moisture. 

You and your Vizsla dog should drink plenty of water before and after winter walks. It would be advisable to take a water thermos with you to hydrate yourself during the hike. You can offer your Vizsla water from a small plastic container so that it is hydrated at all times. 

You have to take into account that eating snow is not a good option, since snow can hide debris and bacteria. Also, it is generally salty due to all the snowmelt that spreads through the streets. Do not allow your pet to eat snow, as it will lower its core temperature. Your Vizsla dog could end up sick or even more dehydrated.