STORM WARNING: PET OWNERS WARNED TO KEEP THEIR DOGS INDOORS AS STORM DENNIS IS SET TO SMASH INTO BRITAIN’
Source: The Sun (Extract)
Posted: February 14, 2020
Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets indoors as Storm Dennis approaches with 72 hours of rain and 80mph gales.
Pet owners have taken to Twitter to share how they are preparing their four-legged-friends for the oncoming storm.
Five days after Storm Ciara brought havoc to the UK, another country-wide storm is set to smash into the UK this weekend.
Storm Dennis will see the UK washed out by up to five inches of rain, causing flood risks, as 80mph winds batter Britain.
Dogs Trust has issued a warning for dog owners to keep their pets indoors ahead of the stormy weather.
“Extreme weather and thunderstorms can be distressing for dogs,” said Catherine Dobbie, veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust.
“If you are worried about the weather, keep your dogs indoors as much as possible.”
Dogs Trust suggests pet owners use a toy filled with food to keep their dogs occupied if the storm disrupts their pet’s exercise routine.
If you are near an area that may flood, the animal welfare charity advises keeping pets out of water that may be contaminated with toxins and could be dangerous if swallowed by pets.
Four inches of snowfall is also due to hit Britain this weekend as a result of Storm Dennis.
Pets at Home is urging dog owners to take note of the hidden dangers grit poses to their beloved pets.
Dr Karlien Heyrman from Pets at Home said: “When a dog walks over grit salt, the crystals can attach to the animal’s paw pads and if left unchecked, can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe pain.
“Winter walks can also become dangerous if too much grit salt is licked off bare paws, leaving them at risk of excessive salt consumption.
“Keep an eye out for snow and ice forming clumps on your dog’s hair too.”
