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We always do our best to ensure your dog is walked regardless of the weather. However, sometimes, during the winter or a very hot summer when temperatures are in the late 20s, it becomes dangerous, unsafe, and irresponsible to take your dog for a walk.
In extreme weather circumstances, we will provide your dog with access to the garden if possible and play indoor brain games and agility. Please note that payment remains payable unless either party gives 48 hours’ advance notice or we cannot reach your house due to dangerous road conditions.
We will always keep you informed via WhatsApp. If a visit is not possible, we will try to inform you before 8 a.m. This communication ensures that you are promptly updated about any changes or cancellations to our scheduled visits, allowing any necessary adjustments to your plans. Our priority is to maintain an open and timely line of communication with you for the best care of your pet.
Please see examples of these extreme weather conditions listed below:
Hail
Walking in hail can be painful on the dog’s feet, body, and head. Some dogs find the noise and sensation quite frightening, especially if hail is accompanied by thunder and lightning. While hail is generally short-lived, this might delay the start or cut short the duration of the walk.
Snow
Apart from being quite cold for your dog, snowballs into the dog’s fur, particularly around the stomach, chest and paw area. Snow clumping in their pads can be very painful for a dog, and the coat can pull and cause discomfort.
Black Ice
By its nature, black ice can be hard to spot. Areas suffering from black ice are incredibly slippery, making the walk dangerous. A person slipping with a dog on a lead could result in the dog being pulled over or fallen onto on by the person. Black ice impedes travelling, and sometimes, even getting to your home can be too risky, so we may need to cancel a walk.
High Winds
One of the most significant risks of walking in high winds is flying and falling debris. Ordinary household items like recycling bins, roof tiles, etc., can all become missiles that could hit your dog. Falling trees and branches are also a risk. Small dogs often struggle to stay on their feet during very high winds, so an exercise session in the garden under close supervision to ensure no accidents happen could be the safest option during periods of extremely windy weather.
Hot Weather
While heat may not be considered extreme in the UK, there are still occasions when taking your dog out for a walk would be irresponsible.
Nordic breeds such as Malamutes and Huskies can find the heat challenging to cope with, and their coat is not suitable for clipping, as it provides a valuable layer. Other breeds with particularly heavy coats may struggle on a walk-in at high temperatures. Brachycephalic dogs with flat faces and short noses, such as Pugs and French bulldogs, struggle to breathe correctly when walking in extremes of heat.
All breeds are in danger from pavement walking as asphalt can soar to temperatures severe enough to burn their footpads. A rule of thumb is whether you can stand barefoot on the tarmac for over 5 seconds (or use the back of your hand). In these cases, it is safer for your dog to be kept to a short walk or taken into the garden and allowed to drink fresh water.
See the RSPCA article on how hot is too hot.
If you have questions or concerns, please send us a WhatsApp message on 077 077 6 33 44
Updated 1st Jan 2021