Much of the UK has seen several inches of snow fall over Sunday evening and Monday morning (December 11 and 12) and some people might be questioning if they can take their dog out for a walk in such conditions.
Large areas of the South East, South West, West Midlands and North East of England saw flurries of snow beginning on Sunday evening, with the Met Office having issued yellow weather warnings for ice as a result.
Meanwhile, motorists are being warned of travel disruption and road closure, with commuters in some areas urged not to drive at all unless absolutely necessary.
Among these issues, some people might wonder if the conditions are safe enough for them to take their dog out on a walk.
Luckily, the Dogs Trust have a number of tips for winter walking to ensure you can do so.
The Dogs Trust says that walking dogs in the snow is okay, but some adjustments might need to be made.
For example, they say that some shorter-haired breeds and puppies need a little help staying warm, so they would need to wear a coat if going out for a walk in the snow.
They add: “Wearing a coat or light attachment is a new experience for some dogs and needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way. This will help your dog enjoy wearing their equipment for winters to come.”
READ MORE: How to keep your pets warm in the cold winter months
Additionally, they recommend keeping a dog on a lead for walks in the snow.
They said: “There may be deep patches or holes, or the snow may cover areas that aren’t safe. Keep your dog on a lead to protect and prevent them from falling and hurting themselves.”
Finally, it is important to wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach after a walk. This is because grit from the roads and dampness from the snow can irritate their skin.
More information on walking dogs in the winter generally can be found on the Dogs Trust website here.
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