Vet issues Storm Austen plea to all dog owners

Vet issues Storm Austen plea to all dog owners Vet nurse Leah Callaghan has warned dog owners to avoid walks during Storm Austen as the UK is battered by high winds and torrential rain, saying dangerous conditions put both pets and owners at real risk As Storm Austen pounds the UK with powerful winds and heavy downpours, a vet has offered guidance to dog owners who may be uncertain about what to do regarding their pet's daily exercise. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings for wind across Wales and large parts of England. Additional wind warnings will take effect tomorrow across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England, while a fresh amber warning has now been issued for 34 areas ahead of Storm Boelo, the second named storm to strike the UK within days. With this in mind, Leah Callaghan, a vet nurse at Butternut Box, is encouraging pet owners to reconsider before venturing out on their usual walks during the storms and weather warnings due to "dangerous conditions" posing a "real risk" to owners and their pets. She said: "If there's a severe weather warning where you live, whether it's for wind or heavy rain, my advice is simple: skip the walk. I know it can feel wrong, but a dog won't come to any harm from missing a walk or two. "Being outside in dangerous conditions is a real risk for both of you. The risks depend on the weather. In strong winds, gusts can bring down branches, send loose objects flying and startle a dog into pulling, panicking or bolting. "In persistent heavy rain, paths and fields can flood, while burns and rivers can rise quickly. Even if your dog has excellent recall, I wouldn't rely on it in frightening or unpredictable conditions. "Bad weather can affect a dog's judgement and behaviour, so it's worth being extra cautious and avoiding walks in dangerous conditions altogether. Steer clear of coastal paths, sea fronts, beaches and clifftops, where large waves can knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. "You don't need to make up for a missed walk later in the day, either. Offer some gentle enrichment at home and go back to your normal routine once the weather has settled." Leah added that smaller and lightweight dogs face a greater risk during storms, as powerful gusts can knock them off balance, while animals with a thinner coat can become cold and sodden very rapidly. The vet continued: "But this isn't only a small dog issue. Flying debris, slippery ground, fast-moving water and sudden noises put dogs of all sizes at risk, and a big, strong dog pulling in a panic can be hard to control. "So base your decision on the conditions, not your dog's size. If it's unsafe, it's unsafe, whether you have a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd." There's one part of the day that many dog owners overlook when keeping their pets safe While many pet owners will already know better than to venture out with their dog during a storm, Leah pointed out that many fail to consider toilet trips as part of their safety planning. Leah said: "If bad weather is forecast overnight or first thing in the morning, give your dog the chance to go beforehand, while it's still safe. "If they need to go out during the worst of it, keep them on a lead, stay close to home and come straight back in. Puppies, older dogs and dogs who dislike going out in bad weather may do better with a sheltered spot or, if they're comfortable with it, an indoor option such as a puppy pad. "Check your garden before you open the door, too. Strong winds can leave broken branches and damaged fencing and loosen gates, so a familiar garden may no longer be safe. And never leave your dog outside unattended during severe weather."