FOR PETS WHO WANT TO FEEL GOOD
FOR PETS WHO
WANT TO FEEL GOOD
Light
Whether fitting in a morning or evening walk, there is a lot less sunlight to take advantage of during those dark winter months. Make sure you and your dog are visible, especially when walking down dark country lanes or off-lead. Attach lights to your dog’s collar and wear reflective clothes yourself. Try and stick to well-lit footpaths.
Weather
Some dogs are more capable of withstanding colder temperatures than others. You wouldn’t expect a hairless Chinese Crested dog to cope with the cold as well as an Alaskan Malamute! There are many wonderful coats and jumpers you can now buy for your dog, but remember a wet coat can actually make a dog colder so take a spare!
Mud
Always wash your dog’s feet after walking. This will remove mud and any grit salt from your dog’s paws, which could be a source of irritation, plus give you a chance to check for any thorns or debris hiding in their furry toes. It is thought that the disease Alabama Rot (Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy – CRGV) is associated with muddy conditions and is more prevalent between November and May. This disease of unknown origin causes skin lesions and kidney failure and can be fatal. It is still very uncommon and poorly understood, but the current advice is to wash off any mud immediately after a walk.
