Keeping your dog safe in the Countryside
Canine & Co’s Outdoors checklists
We at Canine & Co take our
responsibilities for our fellow humans, dog welfare and the countryside
seriously. We passionately believe in the Respect, Protect and Enjoy principle.
To this end we have attempted to summarise the key risks, responsible
behaviours and list what clothing and equipment you might consider when out in
the Countryside with your dog. However, the ultimately responsibility for the
dog and it’s behaviour is with you the Owner.
Click
to view Canine & Co products which
will keep your dog safe whilst you both enjoy the great outdoors!
Top 5 risks of
Dogs in the Countryside.
When in the Countryside, dogs simply doing what dogs do are
at risk of getting
1.
lost
2.
poisoned, injured or be exposed to infection
3.
Shot or put down under court order.
Badly behaved humans who can’t control their dogs in Countryside
are equally at risk of being
4.
Sued for 3rd party injury or damage.
5.
Banned from keeping dogs.
6 Simple rules for well-behaved humans to
keep their dogs safe and have fun outdoors!
1.
Be mindful and realistic of breed , fitness and
health when planning a walk or hike.
2.
Ensure their dog is regularly wormed and
vaccinated.
3.
Ensure that their dogs do not disturb or scare
farm animals or wildlife (particularly nesting birds) or damage the landscape
4.
Exercise control of their dog around strangers,
particularly children.
5.
Keep the dog in line of sight when roaming free
6.
Avoid heatstroke by making sure their dog gets
plenty of shade and clean, cool water.
6 Essentials for both
short walks and long hikes.
1.
An Identity tag –
despite best efforts, dogs can run off and get lost!
2. A Suitable Leash –
essential for control. City and dress leads don’t work as well!
3.
Water in bottle with drinking vessel – water in
puddles, ponds or rivers can be contaminated.
4.
Doggie Treats – for that energy burst or to
reinforce that obedience call.
5.
Poop Bags - Use the
poop bins provided or bury 200 yds from path, preferably bio-degradable bags.
6.
Toy – sticks can cause all kinds of injury and
infection.
8 Options for Longer Hikes
1.
High visibility gear – keep in line of sight
when roaming free and when darkness falls
2.
Bug protection vest,
bandana or digital alarm – avoid the risk of infection and disease
3.
A Wind and / or Water
proof jacket – how reliable is that weather forecast – really!
4.
Cooling Clothing for when it get’s hot - during and at the end of the hike.
5.
Life Jacket – dogs
tire when swimming quickly under the added weight of wet hair and when in
strong currents.
6.
Shoes - country terrain cuts up paw pads – the
ground can be rough with stones, sand, icy, salty, hot.
7.
First Aid Kit (and
address of local vets / dog warden) – accidents happen, be prepared.
8.
Dog Hike bags – but remember
dogs should not carry more than 25% of
their body weight
If driving to the
start of the walk / hike:
1.
Ensure your dog has
a safe & secure place to sit in the car. Use a restrainer as necessary.
2.
Cover the car seat /
boot floor with a cover – keep off the mud, dirt and damp and kill the bugs.
3.
If leaving the dog
in the car for any length of time - park in the shade, provide plenty of ventilation
and water, and check on the dog regularly.
After the Country Walk / Hike
1.
Bath the dog – wash
off the dirt and bugs.
2.
Paw Care – sand and rough ground will injure
paws not used to the terrain and risk infection.
For
more information, we have collated these authoritative documents which you can
read and download
Country
Code – England & Wakes https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/558112/countryside-code.pdf
Country
Code - Scotland
http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/sites/default/files//docs/dog_owners_leaflet.pdf
Forestry
Commission Code:
Kennel
Club : Countryside Code:
Bluecross
Code:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/basic-first-aid-dogs