Make no mistake, the UK may have a milder climate than most but when we experience extreme weather very few people are prepared for it. Although it is possible to continue dog walking in extreme weather, there are still a few precautions to take in order to keep yourself and your dogs safe.
Table of Contents
Wind
Should you walk dogs in strong winds? With some minor adjustments, most dogs can be walked in strong winds but here are a few things to look out for.
Can the wind affect a dog’s behaviour?
Absolutely. The wind can bring lots of smells all at once and create a sensory overload that can either excite or stress a dog depending on their personality.
Dogs can easily become flight risks, become spooked and run away in high winds. The wind makes it more difficult for the dogs to hear you f you’re calling into the wind.
It’s sensible to be aware that your more sensitive dogs may act out of character and keep them on a lead or long line for the walk.
Falling debris
Walking in woodland areas can be particularly hazardous in strong winds. Older branches can snap and fall, and unstable trees can uproot.
If your local park closes due to high winds, don’t be tempted to sneak in. They know the park best and the condition of the trees so don’t risk it.
Travel problems
In addition to finding your local parks closed, you may also have specific problems in your area in terms of bridge closures or road closures due to fallen trees. Add some extra travel time to your day in case of detours and check your travel app or local radio for details of road closures.
Clients homes
If you have pop-ins booked, be sure to check the fencing is secure in the garden before letting the dog out.
Snow
Clients
You should expect a high rate of cancellations when we have any significant snowfall. Many owners will be choosing to work from home or simply be unable to get to work, and if they can’t get to work then it’s unlikely that it’s safe for you to travel to their house.
If you cover a wide area, check with a few clients as to the condition of their local roads. I live in South Wales and there can be 6 inches of snow 5 miles away on higher ground and just a dusting where I live. Even if it’s possible for me to drive, I may not be able to get to particular clients.
Travel
If you do have bookings, or you could start the day with light snow and it starts to get worse, make sure you’re prepared.
Save your phone battery for emergencies, the photo uploads can wait until you’re home. Take some snacks, extra drinking water, extra towels and if you have one, throw a sleeping bag in the boot in case of breakdowns.
Dogs
Paws can be sensitive to the cold and snow, and ice can ball up on a dog’s leg fur and hair between the pads. Using paw wax on pads and rubbing coconut oil into the fur can help reduce the snowy build-up. If they still have snowballs attached when you get back to your vehicle a quick dip of the feet in lukewarm water can melt them straight away.
Hypothermia is rare but still a risk, especially in dogs who have trouble regulating their breathing or temperature, so what temperature can dogs walk in? Very short-coated dogs, puppies, senior dogs and brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed) can all start to struggle in the cold.
These breeds are usually fine down to around 4 degrees Celcius (40f) before more attention needs to be paid to their needs. Once the temperature hits -4 degrees Celcius (25f) then your smaller dogs start to be at risk, any colder and walks will need to stop.
This, much like the advice around warmer weather, may seem over the top when you consider that dogs in other countries live continuously in much colder (or warmer) climates without any effects.
This is true, however, it takes around three weeks to acclimatise to a new climate so whereas Labradors in Canada can cope perfectly well in minus 4 walks, North London Labradors might struggle in zero degree weather.
Hydration
Often overlooked but going for a walk in the snow can expend more energy and be more of an effort than usual so be sure to hydrate your dogs as diligently as you would on a summer’s day. And don’t forget to hydrate yourself too!
Heatwave
Temperature
Heatstroke is a real risk during warmer weather, and just as with the cold, puppies, senior dogs and flat-nosed brachycephalic breeds will start to suffer first. At 25 degrees Celcius it’s time to consider their needs and at 28 degrees it’s time to start cancelling walks.
Keeping to the shade and walking where there is water available for the dogs to not only drink but play in is sensible and may extend those temperatures by a few degrees.
Vehicle
Whilst you’re on your walk try and park in the shade, use window shades if you have them to reduce the temperature for when you get the dogs back to the vehicle. Thermal shades are great and can be made easily and cheaply from a roll of foil insulation.
Ensure you’re carrying around twice the amount of water that you’d normally take for the dogs (and yourself). Putting no-spill bowls in crates and damp towels on crate bottoms can help cool paws on the way home.
When dropping dogs off check if your vehicle is able to be left running with the aircon on but locked. Many modern cars can be left like this and it’s worth checking.
Cancellations
As dog walkers we’ve all heard about the tragedy of a dog losing their lives through heatstroke, however, our clients may not be so educated about the risks that come with increased temperatures.
Any cancellations need to be made in good time allowing them to make other arrangements. If a predicted temperature of 29 is expected the following day then even if they’re a few degrees off, the puppies, seniors and brachy dogs will still need to be cancelled.
Offering home visits to those who cannot make other arrangements is usually the solution and thankfully in the UK extreme temperatures usually only peak for a day or two before getting back to normality.
Conclusion
Please remember that your dog’s welfare comes first. Reputation is everything and word of mouth is your best advertisement. One tragic event can ruin a business, don’t risk it for a day’s pay.