Number 6!! I lived on a lake for 30 years... I never, ever let my dogs out loose (ever, but especially in winter). My brother, a retired police officer, would tell people who called the station asking if the lake is safe: "No, the lake is not safe." Ours was a spring-fed lake and lots of soft spots that never really froze, even in deep New England winters. Also, wide-open space. Dog runs across lake, he's gone. Human can't follow as swiftly and risks falling in because we're heavier. There's so much I could say about this! Thanks for including it in your list.
This is a challenging teaching topic for me because outdoor dogs are quite prevalent in rural TN, especially as livestock guardian dogs. We try to provide good guidance about keeping them safe. Thank you for this info!
My little Pom mix absolutely loves the snow and hates wearing clothing (his fur does seem to keep him fairly well-insulated, even when trimmed, the snow on his fur doesn't melt or reach his skin). That being said, his poor toes really do get the brunt of it! Paw waxes, like Musher's Secret, absolutely help with protection from the salt but not with the sub-freezing temps, so we're going to try boots this year.
Number 6!! I lived on a lake for 30 years... I never, ever let my dogs out loose (ever, but especially in winter). My brother, a retired police officer, would tell people who called the station asking if the lake is safe: "No, the lake is not safe." Ours was a spring-fed lake and lots of soft spots that never really froze, even in deep New England winters. Also, wide-open space. Dog runs across lake, he's gone. Human can't follow as swiftly and risks falling in because we're heavier. There's so much I could say about this! Thanks for including it in your list.
Scary stuff.
This is a challenging teaching topic for me because outdoor dogs are quite prevalent in rural TN, especially as livestock guardian dogs. We try to provide good guidance about keeping them safe. Thank you for this info!
Thanks for your comments and raising awareness Robin!
I did not know that about even the smallest amount of antifreeze—very glad to have learned!
My little Pom mix absolutely loves the snow and hates wearing clothing (his fur does seem to keep him fairly well-insulated, even when trimmed, the snow on his fur doesn't melt or reach his skin). That being said, his poor toes really do get the brunt of it! Paw waxes, like Musher's Secret, absolutely help with protection from the salt but not with the sub-freezing temps, so we're going to try boots this year.