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With the UK heading into the grip of another big freeze, it’s easy to feel like spending your days lazily under the duvet or by the fireside. But if you’re a dog owner, your canine friend will still want his usual daily exercise. With this in mind, Guide Dogs, the charity which helps visually impaired people across the country to enjoy freedom of movement on their own terms, has outlined five top tips for keeping your dog safe in the wintry conditions.

•     Keep an eye on your dog. If you leave your dog to run free for too long, you increase the risk of them falling through ice-covered ponds, or breaking bones through sliding on ice. Dogs can lose their sense of smell in the snow and become disorientated, so it’s important to make sure you know where they are.

•     Never free run your dog near water or icy ponds which may put you or your dog in danger in freezing conditions
•     Stay close to home. It’s important not to go on walks that are too long, in case your dog gets too cold. They might have thick coats, but dogs are still at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially on their ears and feet.
•     Some short-haired breeds, such as greyhounds and whippets, may benefit from a dog coat when the weather drops below freezing.
•     Watch where you’re walking! Ice and snow could hide dangerous objects that could hurt your dog’s feet.
•     Whistle your dog back to you on regular occasions so the dog always knows where you are.
•     The salt used to grit roads and pavements can be harmful to paws, if your dog is licking his paw’s try washing them off.
•     Take care of your dog. Consider buying a high-visibility jacket for your pet, so that they can be seen in the dim winter light. Make sure also to have a first-aid kit to hand in case your dog does get caught up in a scrape.
•     Take care of yourself! It is easy to overlook your own safety, but this is equally important in the icy conditions.
•     Keep yourself warm, and make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, so that you can stay in control of your dog on the ice.

Matt Freeman, a volunteer for the charity, said, ‘At Guide Dogs we know how important the companionship and help of a dog can be to people, as our work helps to provide over 4,000 visually impaired people with the independence they may otherwise lose. As the weather closes in at this time of year, it is vital for all dog owners to keep an eye on the health of their pet, so they can continue to safely enjoy spending time together.’
Guide Dogs receive no government funding and the lifetime cost of a Guide Dog is £50,000. So if you enjoy walking and meeting people why not become a collection box coordinator? It’s a flexible and easy way to support Guide Dogs.

If want to get involved in a variety of roles from fundraising to puppy walking contact Dave at Guide Dogs local team on 0845 372 7424 or email.

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