Hey fellow dog owners,
Winter walks in Ireland mean dealing with darkness, damp, and grit. Our dogs still need their exercise, but we need to take extra precautions. Here’s a checklist based on advice from Dogs Trust and the ISPCA.
1. Be Seen, Not Hurt: This is the most important tip for our dark evenings.
- High-Visibility: Equip both yourself and your dog with high-visibility gear. A reflective collar, harness, or flashing light for your dog and a hi-vis jacket for you are essential for being seen by cars.
- Keep Them Leashed: Keep your dog on a lead, especially in poor visibility (fog, heavy rain) or near roads. Snow can also cover scents, making it easier for a dog to get lost.
2. Paw and Coat Care:
- Wipe After Walkies: This is critical. After every walk, wash and dry your dog’s paws, legs, and belly. This removes rock salt, grit, and mud, which can irritate their skin and be painful.
- Check Pads: Check between their toes for any cracks, stones, or ice build-up.
- To Coat or Not to Coat? Short-haired breeds (like Greyhounds, Whippets, Staffies), as well as very young or elderly dogs, will benefit from a warm, waterproof coat.
- Grooming: Don’t shave your dog’s coat short in winter. A longer, well-brushed coat provides insulation.
3. Outdoor Hazards:
- Antifreeze: It is lethal. Clean up any spills immediately.
- Frozen Water: Keep your dog away from frozen ponds, lakes, or rivers. The ice may not be thick enough, and falling in can lead to hypothermia. Keep them on a lead in these areas.
Stay safe out there!