Ice is slippery and presents risks to both ourselves and our dogs, and there’s always the danger you or your dog could slip or fall in these conditions.

Before taking a walk near any water source, take precautions and learn what to do if your dog falls through the ice.

Witnessing a pet or animal in distress in the water is traumatic.

In extreme cases, there is a strong instinct to act impulsively and sometimes with great courage in attempts to rescue a pet from life-threatening danger.

It is important not to put yourself or others at risk in these situations.

Remember how to REACT to reduce the risk to you and your dog this winter.

R -Reduce Risk

E -Enrichment

A -Alert

C -Conditions

T -Treatment

Reduce Risk
When walking your dog, it’s best to avoid water sources like burns, flooded areas, canals, and lochs to keep them safe.

Keep your dog on a leash: Use a short leash to prevent your dog from wandering freely and stepping on thin ice. Although it may be an adjustment for your dog if they’re used to being off-leash, it’s safer and prevents risk from winter water conditions, ice and drowning as well decreasing the likely hood of injury.

Regularly check your dog’s leads, collars, and harnesses: Ensure they are in good working condition. Winter conditions can lead to rust on metal clips.
It can be harder to manage lead clips and attachments in the cold, so try to do this indoors if possible.

Avoid frozen water and stick to safe, solid ground to protect your dog from harm.

Training:
Basic obedience commands can help ensure safety on the ice for both you and your dog. Training your dog not to pull on the leash reduces the risk of injury for both of you. If your dog pulls on the leash while walking on ice, it could throw you off balance and lead to slipping.
Additionally, train your dog to come when called to prevent them from running over thin ice or into dangerous areas if they happen to get loose.

Visibility:
In winter conditions with limited daylight, it’s easy to lose sight of your dog. Consider getting a fluorescent jacket or collar for your dog to enhance visibility. Ensure your dog wears a collar, ID tag, and is microchipped, with updated contact details in the microchipping database for added safety.

Enrichment
Avoid throwing balls or sticks in winter, especially near water.
These activities can lead to injury and risk the dog running into ice or water.

While outdoor exercise and the ability to express normal behaviour is important, you should limit exposure to cold weather.

Opt for shorter walks closer to home during very cold weather.
Incorporate indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog mentally engaged as an alternative to normal walking routines.

Provide long-lasting chews, suitable food-releasing toys, and enrichment games for mental stimulation.

Scent games can also provide mentally tiring indoor stimulation.

Alert

Call 999
If your dog falls into the water, refrain from entering it.
The ice in the area may not be sturdy enough to hold your weight if it couldn’t support your dog.
Instead, encourage them to swim back to you and call emergency services.
By behaving calmly and giving clear communication, this can aid in preventing panic and further distress to your dog.
You should not put yourself or others at risk in an attempt to rescue your dog from water and could be in danger of hypothermia or drowning.
Wait for emergency services, as they are more prepared and skilled to handle such situations.

Conditions

Evaluate the conditions outdoors and plan your walk accordingly .

Consider the time you leave and the visibility on your walk .
Check the weather conditions and how these may affect the area you are walking in.
Flooded areas, fast-flowing water, eroding water banks, and frozen water pose risks to both dogs and their owners.
Shallow water and small burns and streams which would normally be of little risk can become dangerous after heavy rain or snow melts.

Be mindful of the time your dog spends in the cold and watch for signs of fatigue. Take breaks to prevent overexertion, as dogs can tire quickly in cold weather.

Avoid outdoor walks during extreme conditions like heavy snow or blizzards for safety.
For dogs with short hair, low body fat, or older age, consider using a dog coat to keep them warm on chilly days.
Ensure the coat fits well, allowing for movement, and remove it once back indoors.

Short-haired breeds and dogs with health issues are more susceptible to temperature drops. Stay warm, stay safe, and wait for calmer conditions before venturing out. If necessary, keep activities close to home.

Symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, and other risks can arise from exposure to cold weather. If your pet shows signs of shivering or exhaustion, bring them indoors promptly. Contact your vet immediately.

Treatment
After being out in the cold, your dog may seem warm and panting at first, but once they cool down at home, they can get chilly rapidly.
Ensure your dog has a cozy, dry area to stay warm after returning home if they are damp or wet, monitor them to prevent them from getting too cold as they dry off.
Providing a warm towel to lie on or a moisture-wicking dog robe can help keep them comfortable.

Arthritis symptoms can appear and worsen in colder weather, causing stiffness in dogs, particularly in the morning before they are fully warmed up.
If you notice these signs or if your dog seems to be in pain, it’s best to consult your vet.