Winter Storm Jonas brought about 2 feet of fluffy snow to our area, which was perfect for trying out my new snowshoes. We headed to the snow-covered trails -- Chewy in dog boots and me in snowshoes -- and we had a blast!
Chewy LOVES snow and hops around all over the place, no matter how deep the snow is. It can be very tiring running around with him in deep snow because of all the sinking and having to lift your feet up really high, but snowshoes made it SO much easier!
Chewy was really good about not walking underneath my snowshoes, but he didn't mind walking on top of them! Every now and then I wouldn't be able to move because there were Chewy feet on the backs of my snowshoes. He also thought they were great for resting on:
Hai!
Let me eat this snow off for you
I need a break!
We got to take the paths less traveled, which meant lots of pretty, untouched snow. I think even Chewy enjoyed taking in the sights!
And of course, Chewy remained faithfully on critter watch duty. I don't think he spotted any, but that didn't stop him from looking.
Hello, up there!
If you and your pup like to go out in the deep snow, I really recommend snowshoes! The dogs will get super tired hopping through all the snow, but you won't!
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.
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.
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.
