Five Shepherd Puppies Met Fresh Snow and Lost Their Minds Happily
Fresh snow covers the yard, and five black and tan puppies have turned it into a playground, with paw prints crisscrossing the white ground around them. Two roll on their sides, one rests its chin on a sibling, and another gazes up with snow on its nose. A weathered wooden fence and a bare tree frame the scene on a quiet winter day.
German Shepherds have a double coat that gives them a good deal of insulation, so many adults enjoy cold weather. Puppies, however, are smaller and lose heat faster, so snow time should be short, with a warm place to retreat. Dry them off afterward, especially their paws and bellies, and check between their toes for ice balls.
Winter also brings special hazards. Road salt and de-icing products can irritate paws and be harmful if licked, and antifreeze, which tastes sweet to animals, is poisonous even in tiny amounts. Wipe paws after walks and keep chemicals stored securely. If a puppy shivers, lifts her paws, or seems reluctant to go outside, bring her in. Your vet can give advice for your climate.
These five seem to be having the time of their lives, and the snow keeps adding new layers of fun. Their warm, fuzzy coats are doing a fine job, and the cold seems to be the last thing on their minds.
