subject: Getting Out And About With Your Dog This Winter [print this page] Well, already this winter most places in the UK have seen more snow than last year and theres even more predicted before the winters over! It is fine for the weather gurus to tell us not to go out unless we have to and certainly where travel is concerned, it is advice well heeded, but if you have a dog there will be times when you just have to go out! So, lets consider how get out with your dog over the winter, with the minimum of hassle or poor health to the pair of you!
1)Ensure your own warmth and safety as a priority: if anything happens to you, who will look after Fido?
Wearing stout footwear is essential and if you have wellington boots these is the optimum choice for minimising the potential for waterlogged feet or slips in snow.
Add to the warmth and safety of your welly boots by making sure you have a pair of special socks, such as Hunter Welly Socks, to slip inside them. These fleecy footwear must-haves come in a range of size options and ensure a snug fit inside your boot with no draughty gaps, perfect for keeping your feet warm when outside.
If you have a mobile phone, make sure that you keep it fully charged, in credit and in an accessible pocket during snowy or slushy walks, so if you have an accident or you spot someone else in trouble, you will be able to summon assistance quickly.
Make sure that your outerwear suits the weather conditions: wear your most waterproof outer layer and if it is not really warm enough, wear a selection of layers underneath to help keep warmth in.
Hat and gloves are outdoor essentials when the weathers snowy as these will help you to keep your extremities warm and keep heat in the body. Adding a scarf to your layers also helps to eliminate draughts whilst it can also be wrapped around the face to minimise face chapping in icy winds.
2)If the walk is essential, you need to consider if there is anything extra that your dog needs before setting out:
If your dog is small or has little in the way of hair, then it will be necessary to give your dog a little sweater or jacket to wear as an additional layer. If the weather is quite wet, then a waterproof jacket with a gentle fleecy lining will help to keep wet at bay.
Doggie booties are available and are a good option if your dog will tolerate wearing them, as they guard against cold, slipping and any sharp or dangerous objects that may lurk beneath a layer of snow.
Lastly, do also check your dogs lead before setting out. Some extendable leads can be problematic for two reasons: they may encourage your dog to run out onto an expanse of frozen water, which you would prefer not to risk, and they may fail to function sensibly in extreme temperatures, so do check that it is fully functioning before you set out on your walk. If in doubt, take another lead with you as a spare or use an alternative that you are sure of for your winter frolics!
