As temperatures sink and parts of UK are issued amber cold weather alerts, more and more dog owners will be worried about keeping their furry friend safe.
Temperatures around -4°C and below are too cold for short-haired dogs, while long-coated dogs can handle slightly lower temperatures, down to -9°C. If there's snow fall, that can present it's own set of challenges and dangers. Rachel Rodgers MCs, a clinical animal behaviourist, has shared her tips for keeping your pooch warm on winter walks.
Rodgers explained some of the signs to look out for in your dog and said: "Dogs will shiver when they are cold. Their ears may also feel cold to the touch. Some dogs will look stiff in their movements as they start to feel lethargic and may even have difficulty walking.
READ MORE: BBC Weather forecasts snow for Liverpool within days
"Behaviourally, you may see your dog stop on their walk, whine or vocalise a little and not want to go any further. In extreme cases, dogs can develop hypothermia if exposed to extreme temperatures for too long. If this happens, the dog will have a rapid drop in body temperature, slower breathing, and potentially be unresponsive and collapse. The dog will need urgent veterinary care and must be warmed up gradually – heat pads / hot water bottles must not be used in these cases."
If it has been snowing, avoid letting your dog get wet. Rodgers added: "Even though some dogs, such as Labradors, may love the water and still want to go into lakes and ponds in the winter, it really is better to avoid this to prevent them from struggling with hypothermia. While the dog may seem ok whilst paddling, their body will continue to cool down after they get out of the water, and this can become dangerous."
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Avoid roads where grit salts have been placed, and if your dog does walk in grit salts make sure you thoroughly wash their paws afterwards. You should also be aware that very young dogs (eight or nine weeks old) and older dogs have less body fat and so will get colder more easily.
Commenting on the tips, a spokesperson at Canine Cottages said: "We often regard dogs as sturdy and robust animals, but even they can get too cold. We encourage all owners to be mindful of their pup this winter, and if ever unsure about your dog’s outdoor adventures, consult a professional."
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