At the coldest times of year, there are many precautions that can be taken to keep dogs safe and well despite heavy rain, snow and ice. We suggests the following:
- Let your dog’s winter coat grow, and if you have a puppy, short-haired or old dog it is a good idea to buy him a sensible coat to keep out the chill.
- After walking your dog or if he has been out in the rain, make sure he is completely dried so that he does not catch a cold.
- Keep your dog on a lead if it is snowing very heavily. Snow can be disorienting and can affect a dog’s sense of smell so he could become lost easily.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag in case he does get lost.
- Grit used to melt snow can cut their paws and make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach when you come indoors after a snowy walk. Washing and wiping your dog's feet after walks will also prevent stray lumps of ice getting painfully trapped in their paws.
- Consider trying out Paw Protection Cream and Snout Balm to protect and soothe paw pads and snouts.
- Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs! Keep it well out of their reach.
- Never leave your dog in a car during extreme weather, hot or cold.
- Do not let your dog walk on frozen ponds – the ice may not be thick enough to take his weight.
- If your dog does fall through the ice never be tempted to go after them but encourage them to swim back to you.