R -Reduce Risk
E -Enrichment
A -Alert
C -Conditions
T -Treatment
Reduce Risk
Regularly check your dog’s leads, collars, and harnesses: Ensure they are in good working condition. Winter conditions & salt water can lead to rust on metal clips.
It can be harder to manage lead clips and attachments in the cold, so be mindfull of this,
Training:
Training your dog not to pull on the leash reduces the risk of injury for both of you. If your dog pulls on the leash, it could throw you off balance and lead to slipping.
Additionally, train your dog to come when called to prevent them from running over thin ice . fast flowing water or into dangerous areas if they happen to get loose.
Visibility:
In winter conditions with limited daylight, it’s easy to lose sight of your dog. Consider getting a fluorescent jacket or collar for your dog to enhance visibility. Ensure your dog wears a collar, ID tag, and is microchipped, with updated contact details in the microchipping database for added safety.
Enrichment
Avoid throwing balls or sticks in winter, especially near water.
These activities can lead to injury and risk the dog running into ice or fast flowing water.
While outdoor exercise and the ability to express normal behaviour is important, you should limit exposure to extreme cold weather.
Opt for shorter walks closer to home during very cold weather.
Incorporate indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog mentally engaged as an alternative to normal walking routines.
Provide long-lasting chews, suitable food-releasing toys, and enrichment games for mental stimulation.
Scent games can also provide mentally tiring indoor stimulation.
Alert
Call 999
If your dog falls gets into trouble in fast flowing water or on ice, refrain from entering it .
The ice in the area may not be sturdy enough to hold your weight if it couldn’t support your dog.
Instead, encourage them to swim back to you and call emergency services.
By behaving calmly and giving clear communication, this can aid in preventing panic and further distress to your dog.
You should not put yourself or others at risk in an attempt to rescue your dog from water and could be in danger of hypothermia or drowning.
Wait for emergency services, as they are more prepared and skilled to handle such situations.
Conditions
Evaluate the conditions outdoors and plan your walk accordingly.
Consider the time you leave and the visibility on your walk .
Check the weather conditions and how these may affect the area you are walking in.
Flooded areas, fast-flowing water, eroding water banks, and frozen water pose risks to both dogs and their owners.
Shallow water and small burns and streams which would normally be of little risk can become dangerous after heavy rain or snow melts.
Be mindful of the time your dog spends in the cold and watch for signs of fatigue. Take breaks to prevent overexertion, as dogs can tire quickly in cold weather.
Avoid outdoor walks during extreme conditions like heavy snow or blizzards for safety.
For dogs with short hair, low body fat, or older age, consider using a dog coat to keep them warm on chilly days.
Ensure the coat fits well, allowing for movement, and remove it once back indoors.
Short-haired breeds and dogs with health issues are more susceptible to temperature drops. Stay warm, stay safe, and wait for calmer conditions before venturing out. If necessary, keep activities close to home.
Symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and other risks can arise from exposure to cold weather. If your pet shows signs of shivering or exhaustion, bring them indoors promptly. Contact your vet immediately.
Treatment
After being out in the cold, your dog may seem warm and panting at first, but once they cool down at home, they can get chilly rapidly.
Ensure your dog has a cozy, dry area to stay warm after returning home if they are damp or wet, monitor them to prevent them from getting too cold as they dry off.
Providing a warm towel to lie on or a moisture-wicking dog robe can help keep them comfortable.
Arthritis symptoms can appear and worsen in colder weather, causing stiffness in dogs, particularly in the morning before they are fully warmed up.
If you notice these signs or if your dog seems to be in pain, it’s best to consult your vet.
If your dog enters cold or icy water Once your dog is out of the water, it’s essential to dry them off promptly and be vigilant for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Signs of Frostbite:
Pale, grey, or blue skin
Swelling and pain in the affected area
Blisters on the skin
Limping or avoiding putting weight on the affected limb
If you notice any of these symptoms, transfer your dog to a warm room
Gently warm the affected area with warm, moist towels or water (not hot) to prevent further damage
Monitor your dog closely for any changes in their condition
In cases of frostbite, your dog will need veterinary care, call your vet immediately for early treatment.
Signs of hypothermia :
Shivering
Pale or blue gums
Lethargy/ Weakness
Slow heart rate
Muscle stiffness
Shallow or labored breathing
In severe cases, dogs may lose consciousness.
If your dog has been in icy water, seek vet advice if you notice any of these symptoms.
Contacting your your vet as early treatment is crucial
Move your dog to a warm room and cover them with a blanket
Offer warm water to drink to help raise your dog’s body temperature
Keep a close eye on your dog’s condition until seen by a vet.
PAW CARE
In very cold weather, if you’re out for a walk with your dog,
it’s important that you keep a close eye on their paws
If your walking route includes roads, pavements, or paths treated with salt for icy conditions, Make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach after a walk, as grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin.
Ice-melting chemicals like rock salt, which can harm your dog’s paws.
Clean their paws thoroughly after winter walks to remove any chemical residue.
A small tub of warm water and a soft towel will remove any residue, but you can also opt for footbaths to minimize spills and mess in your entranceway. Even if salt is not visible, it could be present, so make sure to wash your dog’s paws after each walk.
Similar to avoiding your dog ingesting salt by licking it off his paws, you should also prevent them from consuming salt found on the ground.
Ensure they do not drink from puddles and steer clear of any salt piles you come across during your daily walks.
Ice melters contain chemicals that can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. Excessive intake can lead to liver damage, seizures and may become fatal.
To keep your dog’s paw pads moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking in cold weather. Consider using paw balm a specialized paw moisturizer, or Vaseline / petroleum jelly.
Consult your vet if their paws appear cracked or sore.
Watch for signs of discomfort while walking in winter, as rock salt, snow and granules may get lodged in their paws.
This situation can not only be uncomfortable for your dog but also increase the risk of frostbite.
Watch for signs like lifted paws, stopping during walks, or whining, as these could indicate that their paws are too cold.
When dogs are cold, their body reduces blood flow to their extremities (paws, tail, ears, etc.) to prioritize warmth for vital organs.
While this protects their organs, it puts these extremities at risk of cold-related damage. On extremely cold, icy, or snowy days, limit their outdoor time and consider using a coat or paw protector to keep them warm. If you suspect frostbite, contact your vet without delay.
To protect your pet’s paws in snowy conditions to avoid discomfort and pain, trim the fur on their feet and between their toes, this prevents ice balls from forming between their paw pads, especially for long-haired breeds. If you contact a professional groomer they can carry this out if required and advise the best coat care required for your dog in winter conditions as well as how best to maintain this.
If your dog is limping or constantly licking or chewing at their paw, it might be a sign that they need extra care and attention.
Consider using dog boots to protect your dog’s paws from cold, salt, snow, and ice. Allow your dog time to adjust to wearing boots indoors before venturing outside. Ensure these are fitted correctly allowing space for the dogs paw to spread fully when walking, without being oversized and cumbersome.
SECONDARY DROWNING / WATER ASPIRATION
* Be aware of your dog’s swimming abilities and limitations
* Know where your dog is and when they’ve reached their limits
Secondary drowning, also known as dry drowning or aspiration pneumonia, is a dangerous complication that can occur after water ingestion .
It can happen when a dog inhales water into their lungs, which can lead to serious health issues even days after the initial incident.
If your dog has inhaled a large amount of water into its lungs, Keep an eye on her for the next few hours. If she is coughing, drooling, or if her gums are pale, she needs to go to the vet urgently.
Close monitoring for the following days will be required to ensure there are no changes in normal health.
Some signs of secondary drowning in dogs include:
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Skin and gums that appear blue or gray
Drooling
Signs of shock
Cold extremities
Signs of Frostbite:
Pale, grey, or blue skin
Swelling and pain in the affected area
Blisters on the skin
Limping or avoiding putting weight on the affected limb
If you notice any of these symptoms, transfer your dog to a warm room
Gently warm the affected area with warm, moist towels or water (not hot) to prevent further damage
Monitor your dog closely for any changes in their condition
In cases of frostbite, your dog will need veterinary care, call your vet immediately for early treatment.
Signs of hypothermia :
Shivering
Pale or blue gums
Lethargy/ Weakness
Slow heart rate
Muscle stiffness
Shallow or labored breathing
In severe cases, dogs may lose consciousness.
If your dog has been in icy water, seek vet advice if you notice any of these symptoms.
Contacting your your vet as early treatment is crucial
Move your dog to a warm room and cover them with a blanket
Offer warm water to drink to help raise your dog’s body temperature
Keep a close eye on your dog’s condition until seen by a vet.
Further risks
Remember how to REACT to reduce the risk to you and your dog around water
