Another warning post with the next storm on its way – PLEASE do not take any chances or assume that your dog will be safe. Please take extra time to prepare for it by:
- Going outside BEFORE your dog, to check all fence panels and gates are secure
- Using bolts or locks on gates even if you do not normally use them (obviously please make sure you are able to open them in an emergency)
- Considering not walking your dog until the bad weather has passed – wind and moving trees/bushes/objects disorientate dogs and many will be easily frightened in a storm even if they are normally not a nervous dog.
- If you must walk them, double checking that all equipment is secure and that your dog is double-leaded, with one on a snug firing collar and one on a harness. Consider also using high viz equipment in case the skies are darker than usual.
- Ensuring your dog is wearing a collar and tag with your details on so that if they were to escape, a finder would know how to contact you.
- Never leaving your dog out of sight in the garden, or allowing them to run off lead out of sight. They need you to be their eyes and ears when the weather may confuse them.
- Making sure that internal doors are closed, with dog secured in another room where the door cannot be blown open, before opening external doors. This is one of the most common ways for dogs to escape so please do not allow your dog to “go to the front door” with you.
Please remember that it only takes a minute to do safety checks as set out above but it also only takes a minute for a dog to escape. The risks for a loose dog are increased in stormy weather and there are less people out and about to help. Please keep them safe 🌪🌨💨🐶🐕🦺🐕🐩🦮