The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for ice and fog across the country, while drivers have been warned of treacherous conditions on the roads.
Here’s what you need to know about walking your dog in the snow, and when it’s too cold for them to be outside.
Is it too cold to walk my dog?
The temperature your dog can safely go out in depends on a number of factors, including its size, age and the thickness of its coat.
When the temperature drops to -7ºC and below, all dogs are at a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
However, smaller dogs with less thick fur may struggle when temperatures are closer to zero. These types of breeds may need to wear a coat when they go out in winter. Older dogs may also be more susceptible to the cold.
Outward Hound says: “The double-layered, thick coats of dog breeds like Siberian huskies, Newfoundlands, Alaskan Malamutes and Bernese mountain dogs tend to be the most cold-tolerant.
“On the other hand, dogs like greyhounds, German shorthaired pointers, or American pit bull terriers who have short, thin coats will have a more difficult time maintaining a warm body temperature in colder weather.
“Smaller dogs and toy breeds like Chihuahuas have a harder time in the cold. They tend to lose body heat faster than larger dogs. Deep snow can reach their chest and make them cold and wet, so they are more at risk in colder temperatures.”
You should avoid your dog swimming outdoors when the temperature is below 7ºC.
You should be aware of the possibility of hypothermia – if your dog shows signs such as shaking, lethargy, stiff muscles, low heart rate or dilated pupils then take them inside immediately, wrap them in a blanket, and call a vet if you are worried.
Can I walk my dog in the snow?
You can walk your dog in the snow, but again you should be aware of their size, age and breed, and be prepared.
It’s a good idea to take a dry towel with you on walks to dry off your dog if they get wet. Make sure to also wash and dry their paws as soon as you get home.
This is because rock salt is often used in combination with sand or gravel to grit icy roads and pavements, but it can damage paw pads. It is also toxic to pets if swallowed, so you need to wash it off before they lick it off themselves.
Medivet advises: “Many dogs get excited when playing in the snow but don’t let them get too close to frozen water sources such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. Thin ice can break easily, putting your dog at risk of falling underneath the ice.
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“Even if it isn’t frozen over, winter water can be extremely cold and letting your dog walk around with a wet coat can leave them susceptible to hypothermia.
“It’s also not a good idea to let your dog eat snow as too much of it can cause a stomach upset. However, if they try to eat a lot of it, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as kidney disease, Cushing’s disease or thyroid issues, so it’s best to speak to your vet for advice.
“Some breeds with short fur and not much body fat can be affected by snow more than other breeds. This includes greyhounds, whippets, Italian greyhounds and more. They’ll still enjoy playing in the snow, as most dogs generally do, but you’ll want to limit their playtime to 10 to 20 minutes to avoid them coming to any harm.”
What’s the weather forecast?
Forecasters issued a yellow warning for ice across southern England which will be in place until 10am on Tuesday morning, with ice likely to cause difficult driving conditions.
A separate yellow warning for snow and ice is also in place in Cornwall and Devon until 10am.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across parts of Northern Ireland, north-west England and Wales from 12pm on Monday until 12pm on Tuesday. Separate yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place in Scotland until 9am on Tuesday.
The Met Office forecast is:
Today:
Rain and some snow in far south-west, soon clearing. Scattered wintry showers in the west and north, with frequent heavy snow showers and gusty winds for northern Scotland. Good deal of dry and sunny weather elsewhere, but cold.
Tonight:
Heavy sleet and snow showers with blizzards in the hills across northern half of Scotland, easing later. Else, occasional wintry showers in western and some central areas. Frosty inland.
Wednesday:
Further wintry showers, chiefly in the north and west, although also some along North Sea coasts where it will be very windy for a time. Dry elsewhere with sunny periods.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Wintry showers in parts of the north on Thursday, mostly dry elsewhere. Rain in the west on Friday spreading further north and east on Saturday. Cold at first, becoming milder later.
