A Weimaraner Puppy Took Her First Careful Steps Through the Snow
The snow is new, the paws are tiny, and the puppy is deciding what to make of it all. She steps carefully across a thin white blanket in a fenced backyard, one front paw lifted, her long ears swinging forward and her mouth slightly open in a puppy smile. Dry brown leaves poke through the snow behind her, and the old wooden fence stands quiet in the background. A few clumps of snow are stuck to her chin and chest.
Weimaraners have short, fine coats with little undercoat, so they do not hold heat the way thicker breeds do. In cold weather, keep outdoor time short, watch for shivering or lifting paws, and consider a dog coat for little ones. Dry paws off after a snowy walk, because ice, salt and de-icing products can irritate skin and should not be licked. Young puppies also lose heat faster than adults, so warm up indoors afterward. Ask your vet how much winter outdoor time is right for your puppy's age.
After a few more curious steps, she will be ready for something warm. The snow, though, is a story she will keep sniffing at all winter.
Snow changes everything for a young dog. Familiar smells disappear, the ground feels different under each step, and the whole yard looks like a new place. Even a few careful steps can turn into a short, wonderful adventure.
