Dog owners urged to stop walking their pet if temperatures hit certain level this winter

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They may shiver, whine, refuse to move, lift their paws up, seek out warmth or appear disorientated. Should you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to bring your dog…

Dog owners have been urged to be vigilant about the dangers of taking their pets out for their regular walks during the cold snap. The UK is bracing itself for its first widespread frost as temperatures plummet.

The coming days are expected to be particularly cold and frosty, with the Met Office warning that some hill snow is possible. Cold health alerts have been issued across the West Midlands and North West of England, running from 9am on Thursday until 12pm on Saturday. Overnight temperatures are widely anticipated to drop below freezing, potentially plummeting to -7C.

As we bundle up against the bitter chill, dog owners are being reminded to keep a close eye on their four-legged companions. Many will be eager to maintain their regular walking routines and enjoy the crisp winter air. But there comes a point when venturing outside becomes unsafe for dogs.

Much like their owners, every dog responds differently when it comes to handling cold weather. Some breeds are far better equipped to withstand the chill, while others can struggle with even a mild drop in temperature.

Those that find the cold particularly challenging tend to have a thin coat and prefer the comfort of coats and blankets. These dogs may find temperatures as high as 5°C difficult to tolerate.

Smaller dogs, puppies, elderly dogs, and slender breeds may begin to struggle at around 0°C. Should temperatures reach zero and your dog falls into one of these categories, it is advisable to skip the walk altogether.

When temperatures plummet to -4°C or below, it is advised that walks should be avoided. Such freezing conditions pose significant health risks to dogs that could be prevented by keeping them indoors.

Should a dog spend excessive time outside in freezing conditions, they could develop hypothermia, frostbite, and cracked paws, pads, or noses. There are tell-tale signs that will indicate whether your dog is struggling with the cold.

They may shiver, whine, refuse to move, lift their paws up, seek out…

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