Clever K9s

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Our Cold Weather Precautions

Very cold weather, especially combined with wet ground, means potentially dangerous conditions for both large and small short coat breeds.

Depending on your dog’s breed their session will be modified to keep them safe from harm.

For the smallest dogs it is probably best that they have a short toilet walk only as part of a Welfare Visit, or better still they should miss the session and stay at home with their owners.

In this weather, there are always concerns about wetness, mud, snow and ice. These factors can harm the dog’s paws. With low temperature these can cling to and freeze around paws with the potential to damage flesh.

Avoiding bad ground conditions, keeping exposure short, and wiping/warming paws is very important. Efforts will be made to avoid mud, snow and ice “balling” remaining between wet toes/paws.

Ears can be frost bitten, again especially in short coat breeds.

Doggie coats and jumpers are advised. Please have them on or to-hand for us when we collect.

The following actions will be taken as needed,

  • Once the ground and low temperature will cause a hazard only home alone dogs, or special requests, will be visited.
  • Our focus will be to keep the dogs safe from cold injuries and the risk of hypothermia.
  • Reduced levels of exercise and excitement.
  • Individual dog’s temperatures can be taken by infra-red thermometers and appropriate action taken to warm them.
  • We can also check the temperature of any surface that the dogs are to be walked on.
  • Transporting of dogs in the van isn’t an issue if road conditions are safe.
  • Temperatures in the van’s cargo area will be monitored by Bluetooth Temperature Loggers.
  • In general, the dog’s will be kept dry and warm in the van when travelling.
  • Paws will be checked prior to any journey and cleared of any build-up of mud, snow and ice.
  • If there is a sudden onset of Cold Weather Hazards, the van will be used as a warm refuge.
  • Reduced fees for replacement home/welfare visits and reduced walks.
  • No fees for cancelled sessions.