Walking your dog when it’s too cold outside could put them at risk (stock) (Image: Getty)
Walking your dog is important for their mental and physical health – but taking them out when it’s too cold outside could do more harm than good, according to experts.
To protect your pets this winter, owners have been urged to think twice before taking their for a walk when temperatures drop to an ‘uncomfortable’ level.
It comes as WXCharts, which uses Met Desk data, issued a warning about a. According to their maps, the country will face plummeting temperatures, with snow arriving in on Saturday (December 21) before it lands in the Midlands and North East of England.
How the cold weather affects your depends on their size and the thickness of their coat – with larger breeds able to withstand colder temperatures than small breeds with short fur. But regardless of the breed, you should never walk a dog in temperatures below -6C as it could put them at risk of hypothermia and frostbite, according to the RSPCA.
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To help your pets stay warm throughout their winter walks, you can dress them in coats and boots, just as you would yourself when venturing outside. However, if your pet is not used to wearing clothes, you may have to slowly introduce them to the items inside the house before dressing them up and taking them outdoors.
A statement from the animal charity reads: “If you have an elderly or sickly dog, buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm. Stay safe when walking your dog in the dark. Wear reflective clothing and think about a reflective collar or light for your dog’s collar.
“Keep your dogs away from ponds and lakes that are iced over – thin ice may break under a dog’s weight. If it’s snowing outside, watch out for your dogs’ paws becoming compacted with snow, which is uncomfortable for them.
“Be aware that antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets. Wash their paws thoroughly after walking your dog in areas that may have been gritted with rock salt.”
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If you’re worried your pet isn’t getting enough exercise during the winter months, social media users have suggested playing with them indoors can be a good alternative on days when it’s too cold to take them for a walk. One user said: “Depending on your breed you could teach him a search command and have him search for toys and later on even specific toys.
“When he gets it you can make the hiding spots harder and praise when he starts searching with his nose. The more a toy/item smells the easier it is to find.” Another added: “I set up agility courses around my house when the weather is bad. Making my dog jump through things and crawl under things.
“Learning a new trick is great at keeping them stimulated. Works their brain and makes them tired!” A third user said: “I push my coffee table out and make a wall with my legs between the couch and table. Then i throw treats for my dog to jump over my legs.”