01/27/2026
π£ As our pups all enjoy frolicking in the snow, please keep in mind that this is also doggie knee injury season!!! This is the time of year where we see so many torn ligaments in the knee. The snow is high and freezing, the deck or concrete or ground just before entering the door is ICE π§ and as your dog comes sprinting from the yard to come inside (or excited to run outside), this can become dangerous. Even though we take all necessary precautions, accidents can still occur. Here's a few tips below to help avoid an injury and a potential 7K to 10K surgery π
βοΈ GENEROUSLY spread paw safe ice melt on the area just in front of your door and any path you cleared for them to potty.
βοΈ Do not allow jumping off deck stairs
βοΈ Take your dog outside to potty on a leash (this is especially for the ones who want to run amuck)
βοΈ If you do not want to stand outside...***gasp***....invest in a retractable leash (one of the only times I'll tell you to use one) so you can at the very least stand at the door and have some control when they go outside.
βοΈ As cute as it is, do not encourage excessive sprinting or the chasing of wildlife (squirrels, bunnies, birds etc).
βοΈ Don't rush them to get back inside! Yes, go out and get them if they are out too long but yelling out the door excitedly or asking them if they "want a cookie" (or snack or to eat) to lure them in will only make them come running like a bat out of hell!
Yes, dogs still need exercise. Controlled walks and enrichment are important during this winter freeze. Dogs can still have fun in the snow but just as we would take precaution for our human children, we should take precaution for our pets.
Keep an eye out for our next video on why we should train our dogs to wear shoes!
Stay warm and safe! πΎπΆβοΈ