As Storm Bert prepares to blanket the country with heavy snow this weekend, there’s one crucial thing all dog owners must do.
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings, with the most intense conditions coming on Saturday (November 23) when snow warnings will be in place for Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern parts of England and the Midlands.
An amber warning is set to come into place across parts of Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Stirling, Perth and Kinross, as well as Angus. These places could see up to 40cm (roughly 16in) of snow on higher ground. Lower areas across the country could see between 5cm to 10cm of snow on Saturday.
If you’re planning to take your dog out for a walk in the frosty weather, there’s something vital you need to do to ensure their safety. TikTok user Alex (@nuggypup), who documents her life with her dog Nugget on the platform, advises: “If you’re walking your dog out in the snow today, make sure you do this one thing when you get home.”
She explains in her video that the grit used on the roads and pavements during snowy conditions “can be toxic to dogs and can also irritate their paws”, so it’s important to give them a thorough wipe down upon returning home.
The RSPCA warns that rock salt can pose a danger to pets such as cats and dogs “if they lick it from their paws or fur”. It states: “Most cases [of rock salt poisoning] involve animals that have walked through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws as they can find it irritating.
“It is therefore important to thoroughly wipe your pet’s feet and the fur on his/her legs and tummy after a walk or time outside. If he/she is showing any signs of discomfort after possible exposure to rock salt, use a mild, pet-safe shampoo and warm water to wash the affected areas, and dry your pet’s fur completely with a towel after washing.”
If you suspect your pet has ingested rock salt, the RSPCA stresses that it “must be assessed by a vet immediately”.