Preparing for a Snowstorm with Your Dog in Mind

We're expecting a blizzard this evening in our part of New York, with an accumulation of 20+ inches of snow by tomorrow night. All the humans here are scurrying about preparing for the big storm, stocking up on food, gas, and shovels, but don't forget about necessities for your pups! These are the things that Chewy always has on hand when a storm is rolling through:

1. Food and water

When the roads are treacherous or you are snowed in, you don't want to have to make a trip to the store because you ran out of your dog's favorite kibble. It's always good to have some potable water on hand, as well.

So many yum yums! You've been hiding ALL of these?!?

2. Toys

When you are forced to stay inside, boredom can ensue. And that's why Chewy has lots of toys! They can provide mental and physical exercise for your pup to ease the cabin fever. This is a moot point if your dog does not like toys, though. Instead, you can play games like hide and seek or find the treat, or perhaps just snuggle. Or even do some training.

Did you spot Chewy? He kinda blends in.

Shaky shaky!

3. Dog boots

The outdoors can be a horrible place for paw pads during and after a storm. Strong winds may scatter tree branches and debris, and jagged ice may form after cycles of sun during the day and freezing temperatures during the night. Road salt and sand can be irritating to doggy feet, and frolicking in the snow tends to dry out Chewy's paw pads. For these reasons, Chewy usually wears dog boots when he goes out in inclement weather. 

This is how Chewy feels about dog boots...

...but they help prevent icicle foot...

...so he can focus on this!

Snow prance #goldenretriever

A photo posted by Chewy (@itschewytime) on Feb 5, 2014 at 2:00pm PST

4. First Aid Kit

In case your dog cuts his paw pad on something (because he wasn't wearing boots!) or sustains some other non-emergency injury, it is good to have some basic first aid supplies on hand. We have anti-septic sprays, bandages, styptic powder (to stop bleeding), and paw pad moisturizers, among other things. Also make sure you have enough supply of any medications your dog needs.

5. Flashlights & batteries, candles & lighters, charged electronic devices

Strong winds could potentially knock down trees and take down power lines, so we always have multiple flashlights and fresh batteries, as well as candles and lighters. You don't want to accidentally step on a tail because you were wandering around in the dark! 

Have your electronic devices fully charged so that if there is a power outage, you can still receive alerts, report emergencies, and contact concerned family/friends. You never know when your dog will get into something they shouldn't and you need to call the vet for advice! We also have a battery-operated radio so we can stay up to date with the latest storm news. 

[Be sure to keep pets away from open flames!]

6. Extra blankets or dog sweaters/coats

If the power goes out, we have no heat, and it is COLD in the middle of a snowstorm! While Chewy's higher core temperature (compared to humans) and fluffy double coat makes him a nice footwarmer, it may not be enough when it is truly cold in the house. Because he does not like to get too hot, I give him a blanket when I think he looks cold, and he can shake it off himself when he gets hot.

Comfy, cozy!

A smaller or less furry dog might appreciate a sweater or coat to keep warm.

After Hurricane Sandy we had no power/heat, so I put my old kitty fleece on Chewy in case he was cold. He looks like he's ready to break out some hip hop moves with his uneven pant legs and bling! ~6 months I think #goldenretriever #throwbackthursday

A photo posted by Chewy (@itschewytime) on May 29, 2014 at 7:38am PDT

Stay safe!

Outtakes, because Chewy is sometimes a distracted model: