Winter dog safety: dark evenings, ice and festive food
Shorter days, frozen water and festive treats bring a few extra risks for dogs. Here is what to watch out for, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Dark mornings and evenings
Many winter walks happen in the dark. A light-up collar or lead, a reflective harness and a high-visibility jacket for you make you both much easier for drivers and cyclists to see. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes, and if your dog's recall isn't reliable in the dark, keep them on a lead or long line. Some secure fields have lighting or evening opening, which can be a safe way to give your dog an off-lead run after work.
Cold weather
- Small, short-coated, young and older dogs feel the cold most. A well-fitting coat can help on very cold or wet days.
- Dry your dog off after wet walks, paying attention to the belly, legs and paws.
- Shorter, more frequent walks can suit older dogs with stiff joints better than one long walk in freezing weather.
Grit, salt and antifreeze
Rock salt and grit can irritate paws and upset stomachs if dogs lick it off. Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks on gritted pavements.
Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to dogs (and cats). It tastes sweet, and a small amount can cause kidney failure. Store it securely and clean up any spills straight away. If you think your dog has swallowed any, contact a vet immediately, even if they seem well.
Festive foods to keep out of reach
- Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and cocoa
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants, which means mince pies, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake and stollen
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, often found in stuffing and gravy
- Xylitol, a sweetener in some sugar-free sweets, gum and baking
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol and cooked bones, which can splinter
Decorations can be a problem too: tinsel, ribbon and small toys can cause blockages if swallowed, and batteries can cause serious burns. Holly and mistletoe can cause stomach upsets.
If you think your dog has eaten something harmful
Phone your vet straight away, or the nearest out-of-hours vet, and tell them what was eaten, how much and when. Don't wait for symptoms, and don't try to make your dog sick unless a vet tells you to. Keep any packaging, as it helps the vet assess the risk. The Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) also offers advice for a fee.
This guide is general information for dog owners. It is not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified behaviourist about your own dog. Always check a place's own website for its current rules and opening times.