Our best friends are a tough bunch on the whole and they never complain, which of course makes it all the more important that we look out for them and there is no more important time to do that than in Winter.
Winter as we all know, is the harshest season for everyone, except polar bears and penguins and I’m not that sure about penguins. Dogs though might at first glance seem to love the winter. They (mostly) have their own fur coats and they mostly all love a run around in the snow.
Winter, however, is not your dog’s best friend. The biggest danger is, of course, cold and unless you have a Husky, Malamute, Newfoundland or something equally furry, then make sure you keep your pooch warm with a doggy coat- Equafleece are probably one of the best on the market
Another danger is frozen ponds. We’ve all seen The Omen 2 and no one wants that kind of end. Never let your dog off near frozen ponds, particularly if they like a swim or even if they are prone to drinking from open waters.
What to do if your dog does fall in a frozen pond whilst out dog walking
- Stay calm
- Raise the alarm immediately
- Under no circumstance attempt to follow your dog onto the ice
- Search the banks for large branches and stones and use these to break any remaining ice.
Dogs are excellent swimmers and your pet will most likely find their own way back to shore unharmed. Once back on dry land, it is likely that your dog will be very cold. If there is any fresh snow on the ground try to get your dog to roll over in it and once you have removed any excess water get them wrapped up as soon as possible. Frostbite is unlikely unless the temperature is well below zero, but dogs can suffer from hypothermia. Wrapping them in a coat should get them home, or better yet to a vet.
We are not Vets and this info is not intended, in any way, to take the place of the advice from your Vet. If you have concerns please contact your vet or Vetfone