As the temperature begins to drop, and snow and freezing climate set to hit components of the UK, Dogs Trust Ballymena is urging house owners to observe some easy steps to maintain their dogs secure and heat this winter.
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While many individuals take pleasure in a winter stroll, the chilly climate poses a number of dangers to dogs and their house owners.
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To assist guarantee dogs stay wholesome and glad, the nation’s largest canine welfare charity has revealed some easy-to-follow steerage.
1. Stay heat – Dogs really feel the chilly similar to we do, so it is very important maintain them heat. Some breeds develop thick furry coats all yr spherical, so, because the climate will get colder, think about letting your canine’s fur develop longer to offer them added safety. Some shorter-haired pooches and puppies may have just a little little bit of assist staying heat, so think about shopping for them a wise winter coat. Wearing a coat is a brand new expertise for some dogs and must be launched in a gradual and optimistic means.
2. Keep your canine on the lead – If it’s snowing, maintain your canine on a result in shield and forestall them from falling and hurting themselves. Snow might be disorientating for dogs, and so they can turn out to be simply misplaced in it. Make positive your canine is carrying a collar, and their microchip particulars are updated.
3. Wipe after walking – Make positive you wipe your canine’s legs, toes and abdomen after a walk, as grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their pores and skin.
4. Don’t let your canine walk on frozen ponds – The ice might not be thick sufficient to take their weight. If your canine does fall by the ice by no means be tempted to go in after them. If doable, encourage them to swim again to you and name the emergency companies.
5. Avoid antifreeze – It is extremely toxic however tasty to dogs. Make positive you all the time maintain antifreeze and different chemical compounds nicely out of attain and be sure you shortly mop up any spills. Always search veterinary recommendation when you suppose your canine has ingested any.
6. Increase visibility – Your personal security is essential too. Before heading out for a walk, just be sure you are dressed appropriately for the climate with an appropriate coat and sneakers, and make sure you and your canine are seen. As the times develop shorter, think about carrying a high-vis jacket, and use a reflective collar, lead, excessive visibility coat or flashing collar in your canine. Coats and flashing collars ought to be launched steadily to make sure dogs are snug carrying them.
7. Check your lead – Regularly test your canine’s leads, collars and harnesses to verify they’re all functioning safely and received’t get broken by winter climate, as moist climate may cause metallic clips to rust. It might be trickier to do up lead clips and carabiners and fasten them to collars and harnesses when it is chilly, so do that indoors when you can.
8. Consider indoor video games – You is perhaps spending extra time indoors if the climate’s very dangerous, so all the time ensure that your canine has a lot to do. Indoor video games like disguise and search, or ‘discover it’, are enjoyable and mentally stimulating in your canine. Hide a toy for them to seek for and play with them as a reward after they discover them. Long-lasting tasty chews, or rubber food-releasing toys and enrichment video games are helpful for giving your canine one thing satisfying to do this is mentally stimulating.
Conor O’Kane, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena says: “Winter walks can be a lot of fun for both people and dogs alike, and many dogs love to run and play in the snow. But this cold weather brings with it some extra hazards for dogs and their owners.
“The good news is that there are lots of simple things you can do to help your pooch stay safe and warm during cold weather, including keeping your dog on a lead as conditions worsen, wiping their paws after a walk, and taking steps to improve both your own and your dog’s visibility.”
About Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest canine welfare charity and usually cares for round 14,000 dogs throughout its community of 21 rehoming centres within the UK and one in Dublin.
Dogs Trust has a non-destruction coverage and can by no means put a wholesome canine to sleep.
The charity additionally focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that data with the broader public to forestall downside behaviours that may end up in relinquishment or abandonment.
We are working in direction of the day when all dogs can take pleasure in a contented life, free from the specter of pointless destruction.
