Your Dog — November 2017

http://www.yourdog.co.uk Your Dog November 2017 21

Water will be extremely

cold at this time of year.

BE SAFE

9

Take a charged-up mobile phone out

with you so you can call for help in an

emergency. In isolated areas, carry a whistle

too, to help search parties home in on your

location if you need help.

10

Even when it’s not freezing, some

surfaces can be very slippery in wet

weather, such as wooden decking in the

garden or algae-coated slabs.

11

Be weather wise — check the forecast

before setting off on a walk. If you do

get caught out in adverse weather with poor

visibility, it can be very disorientating, even

on familiar territory: keep your dog on the

lead even if you are close to home, in case

he loses his bearings and panics.

12

Keep your dog off frozen ponds, lakes,

rivers, and canals, as the ice might not

be thick enough to take his weight. If you

see a dog who has fallen through the ice,

don’t go in after him — many owners have

drowned attempting to rescue their dogs in

wintery conditions. Encourage him to swim

towards you and call emergency services.

13

Discourage water lovers from taking

a dip; even during a relatively mild

winter, the water will be extremely cold, and

can lead to him becoming thoroughly chilled

or even hypothermic.

WALKING IN THE DARK

14

Kit yourself and your dog up in hi-vis gear to help motorists

and other pedestrians see you.

15

As well as clothing, add accessories such as tabards or Sam

Browne-style belts for you, and collars, bandannas, and

slip-on lead covers for your dog.

16

Carry a torch so you can see where you are going, and to

pick up after your dog. A head torch may feel silly but it’s

really useful when you need both hands free.

17

Light up your dog too — add a fl ashing collar or a clip-on

light to his ensemble.

18

For his own safety and that of others, keep your dog on the

lead when walking in the dark.

FOOTCARE

19

Trim excess hair around your dog’s paws (but don’t

scalp him) to help prevent uncomfortable ice

and mud balls from forming between the pads

and toes. They will also be quicker and easier to

wash and dry off.

20

Wash your dog’s paws after a walk,

as salt and grit sprinkled on

pavements can really irritate skin

and paw pads.

21

Inspect paws carefully, as

they can get sliced and

irritated by ice.

22

Don’t forget

your own feet:

invest in thermal

socks or boot liners.

DRESSING UP FOR YOU...

23

A brisk winter walk with your dog

is so much more fun if you’re dressed

for the weather — buy some really good waterproof clothing.

24

Layer up underneath with thermal gear — lots of light

layers will trap air between them and keep you warmer.

25

Top it off with a hat which covers your ears, and

a neckwarmer which can be pulled up over the lower

half of your face.

26

Warm gloves are essential — the sort used by

horse-riders are ideal as they keep fi ngers warm, without

being so bulky you struggle to hold and manage the lead.

...AND FOR YOUR DOG

27

Thin-coated or old dogs will need warm, waterproof

clothing during the chilly, wet months. Buy several different

jackets suitable for a variety of temperatures, and if

you go out in the car, take a spare dry one for the

return journey home. On really cold days, layer him

up just as you do.

28

A lightweight waterproof jacket

can be a godsend on rainy days for

thick-coated dogs, as wet fur is a poor

insulator. It’ll be easier to dry him off after

a walk, making him more comfortable,

especially if he is older and suffers from

rheumatism or arthritis.

29

Make sure all clothing is dry before

use — have enough that you can have

some in the wash, some drying, and some ready

for wear.

..

ur dog

Your dog will

appreciate an

extra coat.

Make sure your

wellies are sturdy.

Gloves

are vital!

▼

A torch is an

essential bit of kit.

20-21 YD Winter Care CS CC.indd 21 22/09/2017 16:24