Wintery dog and cat concerns:

Most importantly, please keep your dog on lead around ponds and streams. They may look frozen, but ice is likely to be too thin to support the animal’s weight. Every winter, including this one, some dogs die when break through the thin ice………..

If your dog does manage to get on the ice, call them back to you with enthusiasm and fantastic treats,….. do not…. under any circumstances try to rescue them by walking on the ice yourself….. owners have drowned this way, and it is terrifying…. which brings us to the need to teach your dog to have a

FOOLPROOF RECALL!!!!!!!

Practice this please under boring conditions such as your house or garden, over and over thousands of times…… you want your dog to instinctively come running to you when you call them, without even thinking about it!!!

This is do-able for all dogs with sufficient training…… so do not wait until it’s a dangerous situation to realise that their recall is not good………..

Wildlife are stressed now:

Its tough being a wild animal in the winter….. food supplies are reduced, the cold saps their energy and exposes them to hypothermia……….

Please do not let your dog or cat prey on these vulnerable creatures now………They may not be strong enough to escape……..

Please consider feeding the birds in your garden….. At a local pond, please only feed the water birds suitable food….. Bread will only clog their systems, and will make a mess. Many supermarkets stock bird food, as do garden centres and pet supply stores.

Walking concerns:

Consider getting a warm coat for your dog, even if they have thick fur. The wind and damp can be as difficult for your dog as they are for us humans. Older dogs and puppies feel the cold more…You may find that the coat also keep their fur cleaner, thus reducing the need for baths!

Be careful on the pavements. Many areas in the UK have black ice now, so it doesn’t look slippy until you step on it and go flying…… You may want to shorten your dog’s walk during these icy periods……

If your dog has too much energy after the shortened walk, consider some indoor games… Tuggy and fetch, scent games are all fun!

Dog training is also a good energy burner as they have to think and plan how to get the treats…

Icy conditions also highlight the need for good lead walking skills. Walking on ice is tough for humans but almost impossible if your dog is pulling you down the street.

Practice lead walking skills!!!!!

The grit and salt on the pavement can cause irritation of their paw pads, and some formulas are even toxic…. Dogs and cats both can lick their paws to get rid of the annoying grit, and may get sick….. Check their paws regularly and wash with warm water if necessary…….

Enjoy your animals! They bring us so much joy. Please contact your local vet if you have any medical concerns.