Dogs should not be taken for walks when temperatures drop below this level

Dogs should not be taken for walks when temperatures drop below this level The first frost of winter is here and dog owners have been warned of the risks Dog owners have been urged to be aware of the risk of taking their pets out for their usual walks amid the cold weather. The UK is set to see its first widespread frost as temperatures tumble. The next few days are set to be cold and frosty, with the Met Office reporting that some hill snow is possible. Cold health alerts have been issued in the West Midlands and North West of England, lasting from 9am on Thursday until 12pm on Saturday. Overnight lows are widely expected to fall below freezing, potentially dropping to -7C. As we stay wrapped up against the cold, dog owners are being reminded to keep an eye on their furry friends. Many will be keen to keep up regular walks and take time to enjoy the crisp, fresh air. However, there comes a point when it is unsafe for dogs to be out in the cold. What temperature is too cold for dogs? Just like humans, every dog is different when it comes to dealing with cold weather. Some dogs are much better equipped to deal with the cold, while others can struggle with just a slight chill. Those that find the cold challenging usually have a thin coat and prefer to be wrapped in coats and blankets. They might find temperatures as high as 5°C difficult to cope with. Small dogs, puppies, elderly dogs, and slim breeds might find 0°C the temperature they start to struggle at. If it reaches zero and your dog falls within this category, it is recommended you give a walk a miss. When temperatures drop to -4°C or lower, it is said that walks should be skipped. With such low temperatures come health risks to dogs that would be preventable if they stayed indoors. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings How to know if your dog is too cold If a dog has spent too much time outside in the cold, they could suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, and cracked paws, pads, or noses. You will be able to notice if your dog is struggling with the cold through signs. They might shiver, whine, not want to move, hold their paws up, seek warmth or act disoriented. If you spot any of these signs, you need to get your dog home and warm them up safely. Take them to the vet straight away if you think they may have hypothermia. How to keep dogs warm If your dog shows signs that they struggle with the cold, consider putting them in a dog coat or shortening your walks. It is recommended that slim and thin-coated dogs wear a jacket. Encouraging them to play and run can help as movement generates body heat. When it is very cold outside, it is recommended to walk dogs during the warmest parts of the day. This is typically between 11am and 3pm during the winter. If your dog isn't used to the cold or clearly doesn't like it, keep walks short until they adapt.