News Beat
Dog owners issued alert – what you need to know this weekend
Need to know
People have been warned to not ignore the signs and symptoms – and to act as soon as possible if they are worried
Doing this could save your dog’s life(Image: Lee Thompson via Getty Images)
Dog owners are being urged to carry out some pre-walk checks amid this week’s weather alerts. In Scotland, many areas will see temperatures in the minuses. Here is what you need to do.
- Dog owners across the UK are being urged to check outdoor temperatures before opening their doors as the Met Office issues warnings for snow and ice this week. Ross Hallifax, pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, highlighted that “many owners assume that because dogs have fur, they’re naturally protected from the cold, but that’s not true.”
- Prolonged exposure to freezing, wet, or windy conditions is a primary cause of hypothermia because moisture and wind accelerate a dog’s heat loss. Additionally, owners should be wary of road salt and grit, which can cause painful chemical burns on a pet’s paws.
- When the temperature is between 10C-7C, some dog breeds will need to wear a coat or jacket for their walks. Around 5C or less, some dogs are susceptible to developing frostbite and hyperthermia.
- There is no “one-size-fits-all” rule, so owners must remain vigilant about the specific risks associated with “dangerous” freezing temperatures. Owners must watch for symptoms of hypothermia such as shivering, paleness, low energy, or poor coordination.
- If you suspect your dog is in distress or unable to warm up, you should seek urgent veterinary advice immediately. To minimise risk, it is recommended to avoid the coldest parts of the day and aim for walks closer to midday when temperatures are slightly higher.
READ MORE AND SEE WHICH BREEDS ARE MORE AT RISK: Dog owners taking pets on walks urged to complete key check before leaving
Continue Reading
