Cold weather advice for pet owners from Dogs Trust
The charity's asking dog walkers especially to take care
The Dogs Trust has issued warning to owners to keep their dogs away from ice - during the cold weather alert from the Met Office.
The charity, which has a rehoming centre at Newton Tony near Salisbury, says many dogs love to swim but during freezing temperatures, they may find their usual spot frozen over.
They're warning this could be dangerous for both dogs and owners alike, as the ice may not be thick enough to take your dog’s weight, and they could fall through into the freezing water underneath.
The charity also strongly advises that, if your dog does fall through the ice, you should never be tempted to go in after them.
While it may be hard to resist the instinct to save your dog, the effects of cold water shock on people can be fatal.
It can cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy, and the involuntary gasps and panic caused by sudden immersion in cold water can increase the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs.
You could also inadvertently put your dog at more risk as anyone who may be able to help, such as the fire service, will prioritise your rescue over the safety of your dog.
Instead, encourage your dog to swim back to you, and if you need help in an emergency, call 999.
Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust says:
“Temperatures have dropped significantly over the last few days, and many ponds and lakes have frozen over. While these might provide tempting opportunities for your dog to explore, ice can be incredibly dangerous for both you and your dog.
“If you are walking your dog anywhere near a frozen lake or pond, keep them on a lead. If your dog does fall through the ice, don’t enter the water to save them as this could lead to you requiring an emergency rescue, and could cause you serious harm.”
There's some further tips from the Dogs Trust during the cold snap:
- Stay warm - Dogs feel the cold just like we do, so it is important to keep them warm. Some breeds grow thick furry coats all year round, so, as the weather gets colder, consider letting your dog's fur grow longer to give them added protection. Some shorter-haired pooches and puppies may need a little bit of help staying warm, so consider buying them a sensible winter coat. Wearing a coat is a new experience for some dogs and needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way.
- Keep your dog on the lead - Snow can be disorientating for dogs, and they can become easily lost in it. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tag, and their microchip details are up to date.
- Wipe after walking - Make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach after a walk, as grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin.
- Avoid antifreeze – It is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs. Make sure you always keep antifreeze and other chemicals well out of reach and be sure to quickly mop up any spills. Always seek veterinary advice if you think your dog has ingested any.
- Increase visibility - Your own safety is important too. Before heading out for a walk, make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather with a suitable coat and shoes, and ensure you and your dog are visible. As the days grow shorter, consider wearing a high-vis jacket, and use a reflective collar, lead, high visibility coat or flashing collar for your dog. Coats and flashing collars should be introduced gradually to ensure dogs are comfortable wearing them.
- Check your lead - Regularly check your dog's leads, collars and harnesses to make sure they’re all functioning safely and won’t get damaged by winter weather, as wet weather can cause metal clips to rust. It can be trickier to do up lead clips and attach them to collars and harnesses when it's cold, so do this indoors if you can.
- Check your lead - Regularly check your dog's leads, collars and harnesses to make sure they’re all functioning safely and won’t get damaged by winter weather, as wet weather can cause metal clips to rust. It can be trickier to do up lead clips and attach them to collars and harnesses when it's cold, so do this indoors if you can.
You can find more information on keeping your dog safe over the winter on the Dogs Trust website.