The mountain peaks are covered in white, the sun is shining and the snow is glistening – perfect conditions for winter activities of all kinds. However, there are some safety hazards you should be aware of in the cold and wet winter months. Here are a few tips from us to enjoy the outdoors.
 

1. Pawdicure

Road salt, grit, ice and snow are very hard on dogs' paws in winter. It is therefore essential to check the paws for injuries after every walk and rinse them with warm water.
 

2. Playtime

Almost every dog loves romping in the snow. But beware of black ice. Fast and unusual movements can lead to stretched ligaments, broken bones or torn cruciate ligaments.
 

3. Visibility

In winter, when the weather is bad and it gets dark early, visibility can be limited. Glow collars or safety lights for harnesses and collars are practical for walking dogs.
 

4. Winter style

Despite their fur, dogs can still be vulnerable to extreme cold. For puppies, dogs with little undercoat and older dogs in particular, a warm jacket is recommended to protect them from the cold and wet.
 

5. Avalanche safety

Anyone who enjoys venturing off-piste should be aware that fresh, untouched snow can quickly turn into a danger. Checking the current avalanche situation and carrying the right safety gear are essential.
 

When people are buried by an avalanche, things have to move quickly. Victims have the best chance of survival in the first 15 minutes. In our video, we show you how avalanche dogs help rescue teams to find buried victims fast.