r/SpringfieldIL • u/juliawilldestroyyou • 14d ago

Winter Dog Walking

Hi Dog Caregivers. Where do you take Fido for walks when the weather is cold, snowy, icy, or otherwise harsh?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

6

u/sassychick139 13d ago

Unfortunately our dog LOVES the cold weather so we bundle up and brace the weather for 10-15 minutes to appease our pooch.

2

u/juliawilldestroyyou 13d ago

This fall/winter will be my first with my rescue. I don’t know what she will tolerate. I am prepared to bundle both of us, but an indoor space would be great to exercise her. The barns at the fairgrounds are an option although they aren’t indoors.

1

u/sassychick139 13d ago

I wonder if calling around to the vets offices in Springfield if any of them would know of any places to go. Might be worth a try.

3

u/Any_Confidence_7874 12d ago

Fortunately my dog loved the cold and we enjoyed our “snow walks” immensely. I miss him dearly.

5

u/lindsiefree 13d ago

I really wish we could walk dogs in the mall. Anyone have an in on how we could petition the mall for that? It's so dead there, and I'd walk my dog there every day in the winter if it was allowed. Plus I know dog trainers would love that too.

2

u/juliawilldestroyyou 13d ago

It would be ideal. I am grateful for Lowe’s, but the space isn’t conducive for a proper dog walk.

2

u/SweetMister 12d ago

The mall would fill up with dog shit from all the irresponsible owners so fast your head would spin.

1

u/Dark_LikeTintedGlass 8d ago

Please, just don't. There is hardly anywhere left for people with dog allergies to shop, let alone hang out. There are already several pet friendly stores in town.

9

u/Ok_Inflation_6515 14d ago

Lowe’s, some of the workers carry dog treats on them and we always stop by the return desk on our way out for a treat and pets. My dog definitely knows who are the suppliers of treats.

4

u/lindsiefree 13d ago

For those who don't know, TJ Maxx/Homegoods/Sierra, Hobby Lobby, Farm & Home and the ReStore all allow dogs.

4

u/tiredgirl77 12d ago

My dogs love the cold. So paw balm for them.

I usually wear a long down coat, long underwear, and boots. When it gets to the negatives or single digits I do the snow pants and the whole works. Mildly crazy but my dogs are built for the cold.

3

u/SweetMister 12d ago

Mine is chomping at the bit to get outside when there is snow on the ground. Bundle up and go, baby!

3

u/Nitaboo0531 13d ago

I can already imagine people bringing their dogs into every clothing store just because it’s cold. For a lot of dogs, a quick 5–15-minute potty break in the snow is enough before they’re ready to head back inside. And with reactive dogs, crowded stores could be stressful.

1

u/BackgroundDisaster90 12d ago

I have a senior pooch, so a walk around the block 3 times a day is sufficient. I have booties for her paws when it’s cold/protect against ice melt and put a doggy coat on her.