Sled Dog

Yesterday I shared a funny video of two dogs enjoying the snow.

I came across another great snow and dog video.

This silly dog is fixated on snow sleds. Watch him.

Snow Dogs

I know of several dogs who love the snow, but have not see two dogs as crazy about snow as these to Labrador Retriever brothers.

Talk about alpine enthusiasts!

Watch these guys.

Paw Health

When there is ice and snow, you can expect various melting products to be on the ground. Ice melt products are typically made of salt.

When your pet walks through the ice and snow, particles of salt, sand or even ice crystals can become lodged in the webbing. Your dog may even ingest the salts by licking his paws, which can cause illness.

The paws and paw pads are an important part of your dog's health.

Keep your pet's paws healthy in winter by following these suggestions:

After each walk, wash off your pet's feet. This will remove any ice and road salt that can cause excessive dryness. You can use a bucket or bowl to dip your dog's paws in, or use something like the Paw Plunger.

Trim the hair between your pet's toes to reduce the chance of collecting ice and snow crystals.

Petroleum jelly or a great product such as Nutri-Vet Paw Guard Wax can be placed on the surface of the pads, especially prior to walking outdoors. Not only does it help protect the paws, it also helps to heal cracked paw pads and abrasions.

Snow Games for You and Your Dog

Do you have snow where you live?

As every retriever knows, the chief purpose of snow is to make snowballs. If your dog loves to play with balls, he will love snowballs. "Catch and chomp" is a favorite game among many retrievers. For more entertainment, roll snowballs down a hill and watch your dog return with a mouth full of melting snow and a funny look on its face.

Snowball toss, considered it winter Frisbee, is fun for most dogs too. See if your dog can intercept snowballs when thrown to someone else.


Build a snowman (or elephant) with your dog. Ask your dog to, "Find a stick," for the snowman's arms. Or bury one and see if your dog can find it.

Hide and seek is a classic especially with a good snowfall and snowbanks. The best hide and seek game involves hiding yourself, of course. It is easier if there are two of you, one to give the commands, including the command to go find, and one to hide. If there is just you, you may need to shout "find" from your hiding place. It is not really giving away where you are - the tracks you left in the snow will do that anyway!


If the snow is really deep and fluffy, some dogs like to swim through it after a stick or a snowball. And speaking of deep snow, build a labyrinth or a maze and watch your dog work through it for a treat.

Slippery snow is best for sliding and some dogs really take to it. And there are some dogs that are perfectly happy just rolling in snow.

Most ski resorts do not allow dogs, but you might find some areas to cross-country ski and snow shoe where dogs are permitted off leash. Keep in mind that if your dog is a novice to the sports, you will need to spend time familiarizing him with the equipment. A human being on cross country skis looks like a very strange creature to most dogs especially those two sticks he swings.

While you do not have to worry about heat stroke in the winter months, dehydration can be a problem even in the coldest conditions. If you are out for a long period of time, make sure you take a drink break. And remember, having fur does not mean you do not feel cold.

Also, take care of your dog's feet. During walks, check paws for icicles and balls or hard snow. They make walking very difficult. If you live in a city where roads and sidewalks are salted, you may want to consider getting some dog booties or rubbing your dog's paws with petroleum jelly before going out, and washing the salt off when you get home. Salt can dry and crack paw pads.




Winter can be as much fun as summer for your dog and you.

Winter Dog Games

It's winter and with limited outdoor time, a lot of dogs have pent up energy. What can you do to increase your dog's playtime during cold winter months?

There are several things that you can do. In fact - here is a fun article for you called "Beyond Snowballs: Winter Games for You and Your Dog".

And for a good laugh.....

Watch this energetic dog play in the snow.

Snow again!

Spring time and it is snowing! Not a favorite subject here in Washington.

Why is it that the first thing Golden Retrievers do when they race outdoors after a snowfall is to rolling in it? Anyone out there know?

Having my life blessed with a dog of this breed, I am familiar with their love to roll in stuff (mostly stinky). Snow seems to be a favorite as I have witnessed other Golden Retrievers partaking in such fun. I pet sat a Golden who behaved in this manner, and my son's Golden does too. Not only do they love to roll in the snow, but Goldens seem to enjoy snow as much as children.

Unfortunately, if they spend too long playing in the snow, they get serious frozen snowballs between their toes because the snow collects in their long fir. That's when you must convince the dog to come inside to thaw.

No hot chocolate for them!