Stay safe on winter strolls
Avoid the pitfalls of dog walking in the cold
AS TEMPERATURES drop, Dogs Trust is urging owners to follow some simple steps to keep their dogs safe and warm. While many people enjoy a winter stroll, the cold weather poses several risks to dogs and their owners. To help ensure they remain healthy and happy, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity has published some easy-to-follow guidance. Stay warm: Consider letting you dog’s fur grow longer to give added protection, or get shorter-haired pooches a sensible winter coat, introducing it gradually. Keep your dog on the lead: Snow can be disorientating, and they can become easily lost in it. Make sure that your dog is wearing a collar, and their microchip details are up to date.
Wipe after walking: Do wipe their legs, feet and stomach after a walk, as grit from the roads and dampness from rain and snow can irritate their skin.
Don’t let your dog walk on frozen ponds: The ice may not be thick enough to take their weight. If your dog does fall through the ice, never be tempted to go in after them. If possible, encourage them to swim back to you and call the emergency services. Increase visibility: As the days grow shorter, consider wearing a high-viz jacket, and use a reflective collar, lead, high-visibility coat or flashing collar for your dog. Check your lead: Regularly check your dog’s leads, collars and harnesses to make sure they’re all functioning safely. Consider indoor games: You might be spending more time indoors if the weather’s very bad, so always make sure your dog has plenty to do. Indoor games such as hide and seek, or ‘find it’, are fun and mentally stimulating for them.