SAFTEY ON WINTER WALKS

Walking our dogs during the winter months can be difficult sometimes, less daylight hours, icy and slippery paths, and not to forget the freezing temperatures. However, it is still important to ensure that our furry friends get the right amount of exercise that they need every day, and there are precautions that we need to take to keep both ourselves and our dogs safe whist out and about during winter.

Firstly, try to plan walks during daylight hours so you can easily be seen by drivers and cyclists etc. If you cannot walk them during the day when it is still light, then you need to ensure that you take some necessary precautions beforehand. One of these includes investing in some hi-visibility clothing and accessories for yourself and your dog as it will make sure that you are easily seen by others, which is incredibly important especially when crossing roads. You could purchase a flashing collar and lead to use for walks in the dark, for extra visibility. It is also vital to keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking in the dark, as it can be dangerously easy for your dog to run away after something they’ve seen and get lost, which can be devastating.

In addition, if your dog is relatively short-haired or not very active, then it could be worth purchasing a dog coat to put on them when the temperature really starts to drop, as this will ensure that they stay warm and can enjoy their winter walks! Also, be mindful of ice on the pavements, especially if grit has been scattered, as it can burn your dog’s paws when combined with the ice which can be quite uncomfortable for them. If your dog’s paws do become sore, then you should take them to a vet to get checked over as soon as possible and apply some paw balm daily to soothe the affected area.

I hope the information in this article is useful, adopting these strategies will ensure that you and your dog can stay safe, seen, and most importantly enjoy your winter walks!

dog as it will make sure that you are easily seen by others, which is incredibly important especially when crossing roads. You could purchase a flashing collar and lead to use for walks in the dark, for extra visibility. It is also vital to keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking in the dark, as it can be dangerously easy for your dog to run away after something they’ve seen and get lost, which can be devastating.

Walking our dogs during the winter months can be difficult sometimes, less daylight hours, icy and slippery paths, and not to forget the freezing temperatures. However, it is still important to ensure that our furry friends get the right amount of exercise that they need every day, and there are precautions that we need to take to keep both ourselves and our dogs safe whist out and about during winter.

Firstly, try to plan walks during daylight hours so you can easily be seen by drivers and cyclists etc. If you cannot walk them during the day when it is still light, then you need to ensure that you take some necessary precautions beforehand. One of these includes investing in some hi-visibility clothing and accessories for yourself and your dog as it will make sure that you are easily seen by others, which is incredibly important especially when crossing roads. You could purchase a flashing collar and lead to use for walks in the dark, for extra visibility. It is also vital to keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking in the dark, as it can be dangerously easy for your dog to run away after something they’ve seen and get lost, which can be devastating.

In addition, if your dog is relatively short-haired or not very active, then it could be worth purchasing a dog coat to put on them when the temperature really starts to drop, as this will ensure that they stay warm and can enjoy their winter walks! Also, be mindful of ice on the pavements, especially if grit has been scattered, as it can burn your dog’s paws when combined with the ice which can be quite uncomfortable for them. If your dog’s paws do become sore, then you should take them to a vet to get checked over as soon as possible and apply some paw balm daily to soothe the affected area.

I hope the information in this article is useful, adopting these strategies will ensure that you and your dog can stay safe, seen, and most importantly enjoy your winter walks!