‘Troll from Trondheim’: Vet advises on walking your dog in the snow
With the "Troll from Trondheim" bringing another cold spell (and potentially snow!) to the UK this week, the vets at Admiral Pet Insurance wanted to offer advice to dog owners on whether they should let their pups venture out into the cold, and if so, how to do it safely.
Admiral's in-house veterinary nurse, Nicki Fox, has put together a comprehensive guide on how to make sure your dog gets the exercise they need while making sure the cold doesn't cause them any harm.
How can I tell if it's too cold for my dog outside?
"This might seem obvious, but consider the temperature outside. Is it too cold to be out? You may be warm, but your dog may struggle depending on breed, size and health status. Learn to read your dog's body language. Is your pup shivering or whining? Are they acting lethargic, have cold ears or breathing in a shallow manner? Are they perhaps seeking shelter or lifting their paws or tucking their tail under? These are all signs of discomfort, which might suggest they're feeling cold. If they are cold, consider them wearing a coat, one that allows for full freedom of movement and that fits well."
Is it safe to be outside with your dog in cold weather?
"Yes, with the right precautions and risk assessments. Take into consideration the environment around you. Is it icy? Could your dog slip or fall? You should never let your dog walk across frozen water and you should keep them on the lead when walking through snow. Have paths been salted? If your dog walk on salt or grit, wipe your pup's paws when you get inside to remove any potentially irritating elements."
What can I do to make it safer for my dog in the cold?
"It may be safer to train your dog inside on really cold days, but if you venture out, always check the security of your dog's collar, harness and lead to make sure you're in control should something happen. Seeing that it is still dark in the morning and evenings, we would also recommend taking visibility into consideration, such as wearing hi-vis vests or LED lights collars. I would avoid antifreeze and rather focus on having the right gear to make them comfortable.
"Whatever you do, do NOT leave your dog alone in the car as the car can get very cold and their inactivity will make things worse."
If it's too cold to walk my dog, how can I ensure they get enough exercise?
"A lot of media suggests using an indoor treadmill - this is not something we would recommend. There have been a lot of reported accidents, particularly with small breeds becoming trapped and/or injured.
"If you have sufficient space indoors, games like fetch and tug-of-war are very popular to increase good manners and impulse control. Encouraging natural instinct by hiding toys and treats around the house can keep your dog occupied and stimulated. Discourage boredom with puzzle feeders or sturdy appropriate toys stuffed with treats.
"If possible, arrange doggie play dates to mix things up. Encourage interaction with others in a safe indoor environment. You could also try canine agility classes. If you have a facility locally, you may be able to try your hand at agility with your dog. A lot of places have indoor facilities and it can be a fun activity for the whole family. If you do not have a local facility, get creative at home, making obstacles out of cushions, cardboard boxes and other household items."
What activities could your dog do if you don't have enough space in your house or when you're not able to go out?
"As mentioned, you don't need vast amounts of space to spend time with your dog at home. Outside of exercise, there is plenty you could get up to with your pup. Grooming is one example; spend time making a fuss of your canine companion. A bath and a brush go a long when building a bond with your dog. Plus, a less smelly dog is always a bonus when you're trapped inside!
"You could teach your dog a new trick (sit, speak, paw, roll over, or spin). All you need is space for your dog to move around comfortably and treats.
"Relax! We're sure that you and your dog spend a lot of time together outside when the weather isn't so bad. Use time at home to relax and have a cuddle on the sofa. This is great for bonding and helps decrease stress in both dog and human."
