The reminder comes at a good time, with little-known dangers lurking around the corner
Dog owners are being urged to take extra precautions this week, with many being urged to carry out a key check before they open their doors. The warning applies to anyone with a dog, whether it’s a small dog, a puppy or an elderly dog.
Urging people to check the temperature outside before putting the lesh on, the warning comes as the Met Office issues alerts for snow and ice across parts of the UK, with temperatures plummeting below freezing in numerous locations up and down the country. However, with the bitter cold now upon us, experts are reminding people of the hidden dangers their four-legged companions could come across this week.
Ross Hallifax, pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, highlighted the risk, noting. “Many owners assume that because dogs have fur, they’re naturally protected from the cold, but that’s not true.
“Just like us, dogs can suffer from hypothermia and even chemical burns from winter road salt and grit.” In fact, prolonged exposure to cold, especially in wet or windy conditions, is a primary cause of hypothermia in dogs.
Extended exposure to freezing conditions, particularly in wet or blustery weather, is a leading cause of hypothermia in canines. Damp and windy weather compounds the danger as moisture and wind speed up heat loss, reducing the insulating properties of a dog’s coat. As well as this, extended contact with icy water can trigger hypothermia by quickly dropping a dog’s core temperature.
Addressing the issue of how cold is too cold to walk your dog, experts from Bella+Duke say that whilst there’s no “one-size-fits-all answer”, it depends on several factors.
It suggests: “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.”
Calling some temperatures “dangerous”, dog owners should be aware of the temperature and the risks they may carry. You can see the table here.
Ross continued: “A dog’s fur can only protect them from so much cold weather, and they can get hypothermia if they become too cold and can’t warm up.”
Owners should watch out for:
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You should seek urgent veterinary advice if you suspect your dog is in distress. Ross also encourages owners to avoid walking their pets at the coldest times.
He notes: “If you can, avoid going out at the coldest times of the day and try head out towards midday, when temperatures are likely to have risen slightly.”
While some dogs boast thick fur that offers some protection, small, short-haired and older dogs lose heat rapidly and need extra care during colder spells. For instance, “smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, or Jack Russell Terriers, have less body fat than bigger breeds, so they get cold quickly.
While some dogs have thick fur to protect them, small, short-haired and older dogs lose heat quickly and require extra care and attention in colder temperatures. For example, “smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, or Jack Russell Terriers, have less body fat than bigger breeds, so they get cold quickly.”
“Keeping your dog well exercised is just as necessary in the winter months as it is in summer”, Ross concludes. “For breeds less suited to cold weather, such as whippets, greyhounds, and Yorkshire terriers, consider a weatherproof, fleece-lined coat to keep them warm. Limit their time outdoors in the cold to prevent discomfort and health risks.”
