Pets | Fenscene
Winter Walkies Are Still Fun! N
COPING WITH THE CHANGING SEASONS…
ow the days are shorter and the weather is colder and wetter, writes Sian
Ryan of Developing Dogs, dog walks can be a lot less enjoyable for everyone, and there may be days where neither you nor your dog fancy braving the elements. Contrary to what you might think, the most important bit of a walk for a dog is the mental and social stimulation they get from being outside with you, not the physical activity it gives them. Use your winter walks to focus on giving them opportunities to sniff , potter around, play search games with you for hidden food or toys. Take your training outside and practice your dog’s cued behaviours such as hand touch, leg weaves, spins and so on.
Remember the walk is their time, so let them choose where they want to go where possible and stop and let them sniff . Checking that pee mail is really important to them. And, if they want to cut the walk short then let them - and do some enrichment at home instead. Frozen pavements and roads can be hazardous for your dog, not just because of the risk of slipping. The salt mixture used for gritting is toxic to dogs - licking their paws clean after a walk can result in severe or fatal damage to their kidneys, and their paws can be irritated just by
Left: Wrap up yourself and your dog in the colder months.
walking on it. Always wash paws thoroughly after a walk. Antifreeze is also toxic to dogs
and cats so be careful if you let your pet drink from puddles outside in the winter. Keep dogs on leads around
frozen ponds or streams. Your dog may run out on to ice that can’t support their weight and end up getting stuck in the icy water. We hope you have fun and
make the most of any crisp cold days and get out in to the fi elds and footpaths together.
Stay Safe; Stay Dry
Keep your dog, and yourself safe in the dark mornings and evenings with a super-bright Orbiloc light. Completely waterproof, and very robust, they attach to your dog’s collar and give off a light so bright it can been seen from a distance of 5km so plenty of time for other road users to spot you. For older dogs, dogs with little fat
or fur, or smaller dogs, consider these Ancol Muddy Paws Stormguard dog coats for extra weather protection.
Right: Poppy models her Ancol Stormguard coat.
PetSCENE is sponsored by
www.developingdogs.co.uk Tel. 01353 885720
www.isleofpets.co.uk Tel. 01353 669912
ISLE VETERINARY GROUP LTD
www.islevetgroup.co.uk Tel. 01353 658 333
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