Related reading: how much exercise your dog needs and walking a reactive or nervous dog.
South Manchester winters are cold, dark, wet and muddy — and they bring their own hazards for dogs. With a few sensible precautions, though, winter walks can be some of the best of the year. Here’s how we keep dogs safe through the colder months.
Paws: grit, salt and ice
Road grit and de-icing salt irritate paw pads and are harmful if licked off. Rinse and dry paws after every winter walk, and check between the toes for compacted ice or salt.
Antifreeze is deadly
Antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs but is extremely toxic — even a tiny amount can be fatal. Keep dogs away from puddles and spills on driveways and roads, and see a vet immediately if you suspect any ingestion.
Be seen in the dark
Winter walks often happen in the dark. A reflective harness, lead or light keeps your dog visible to traffic — and helps you keep an eye on them too.
Frozen ponds and rivers
Never let a dog onto frozen ponds, lakes or rivers, and keep recall tight near water like the Mersey — ice that looks solid often isn’t.
Warmth, coats and shorter walks
Puppies, older dogs and short-coated breeds feel the cold quickly. A well-fitted coat helps, and on bitter days a shorter, brisker walk is kinder than a long one. (In summer it’s the opposite problem — see our guide to walking dogs safely in hot weather.)
Dry them off properly
Cold, damp dogs are unhappy dogs. We towel-dry every dog after muddy winter walks as part of our “Clean Dog Promise” — see our accreditations and approach.