Overcoming Winter Pet Care Obstacles

Overcoming the Obstacles of Winter Pet Care

Living in Michigan can be difficult during the winter months. Everything from the snow covered roads to the below freezing temperatures can create added stress. But if you own a large dog like me, you have an additional set of worries – pet care.

I live with a 10 year old Black Lab. She is not the biggest, but she is definitely not the smallest. So this leads to problems when it comes to giving her a bath. During the summer months I drag out the hose, spray her down with water and lather her up with soap. But for obvious reasons, in the winter this scenario just isn’t possible. Giving her a bath becomes a greater task. To avoid getting dog hair all over my tub, I give her a bath in a large empty tote filled with warm water in the garage. It’s a quick fix, but it doesn’t always result in the cleanest dog. Within a matter of a few days the fresh scent is replaced with my dog’s personal scent. However, there are other options out there. For a fee, some pet stores have an area in their store where you can give your dog a bath. Then the more expensive option is taking your dog to a groomer.

Another obstacle winter creates is lack of physical activity. In the summer my dog and I will go for walks at least twice daily. In the winter, especially with the record low temperatures we’ve been having, I can barely stand to be outside for more than ten minutes. So I have been forced to move the game of fetch indoors. She has less room to roam, but her excitement hasn’t changed.

My dog loves the winter. Snow is one of her favorite toys. She often sticks her head in the snow and kicks it up with her nose, watching it fall to the ground. However, winter presents challenges when it comes to taking care of your pet. Your pet still needs groomed and it still needs an adequate amount of physical activity. So think of ways to adapt to Michigan winters and before you know it spring will be here!

- Written by MSU student, Ally Caldwell in partnership with Hubbell Connections

(MSU's nattionally-affiliated, student-run public relations agency)