Tips for safe dog walking?

Sequeena

I would rub vaseline on the dogs paws as the ice and snow will crack them. Always look for snow build up as it hurts them.

It should go without saying that anyone with whippet/lurcher type dogs should not be walking them or in the very least be very careful. They are probably the most at risk at injuring themselves (anyone who has owned one of these breeds will know how easy it is for them to cut themselves open on a branch) by way of falling on the ice.

It's not the end of the world if they cannot be walked in this weather. There are other ways to keep your dogs occupied - playing in the garden, football, mentally challenging games etc.

I hope this weather is over soon my OH has had to walk our 3 dogs

Keep away from any frozen rivers/lakes. If you have to walk them there PLEASE keep them on lead. There have been too many stories of offlead dogs falling through the ice and their owners dying whilst trying to save them.

cyberbob

I must admit when the weather has been really icy my boys walks have been limited. Snow doesn't bother me just the ice. As the full time carer for my wife I can't risk slipping and getting hurt. Even with the best walking boots some of the ice round here last week was deadly. Luckily most of the ice has gone in our area so he's back to his regular walks now:D

geri1965_2

msflowerfairy wrote: »

Do like the europeans do, and wear a pair of thick socks over you boots/shoes. The fabric sticks to the ice and snow,and gives great traction.
I tried it myself and it works a treat, although i did look a bit daft, but i was safe, and that is all that matters!

I've tried this as well, although I had difficulty getting them on over my boots so ended up with them on the front half only - seemed to work though!

I now have some Yaktrax, tried them today for the first time and they were pretty good. Most places are out of stock but worth considering them for the future - I got mine from http://www.foothealthcare.com/ although QVC and other places do them.

This website also has some similar things:

http://www.blacktoe.co.uk/ice%20Grips/ice%20grips.htm

(again though they are currently out of stock at the moment)

RosiesMum_2

We normally take the dogs out in 3s, but since this weather is bad, we are taking one out at a time. They all have their coats on to keep them warm, most have reflective strips, if at night time they have flashing tags on.

Try and get them in a car to a park so that your walking straight onto snow on grass.

Get paw wax for your dogs paw, it stops them for chaffing and cracking up..

A couple of my dogs put their paws on their hips and have refused to go out, whilst others love it. Those who dont want to go out or shivver too much have the garden.

My small dogs have jumpers, the collies have coats. I also try and get their long leads out in this weather so if i do fall:o then i am not jerking on them taking them over with me..