VET SPEAK: Plan dark walks in the Highlands with your dog well as simple things can 'spook' them, advises Alison Laurie-Chalmers, a senior consultant with Crown Vets in Inverness
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Bonnie was a 12-year-old Collie brought in as she had had a very stressful time, becoming disorientated on her evening walk in the dark and running off after being spooked by a boisterous young Labrador, writes Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant with Crown Vets in Inverness.
Thankfully she was clinically well on her check-up at the surgery and was sent home with just some pain relief.
Bonnie couldn’t see well in the dark due to failing eyesight. It was advised she be rested and certainly kept on the leash during her walks in dusk and dark.
“Be safe, be seen” is a very good safety tip to remember as shortening days mean more walks in the dark.
Use a safe and “been seen” collar or vest on your dog. High visibility Glow-in-the-dark collars, vests, leashes and flashing collar tags ensure you and your dog stay safe walking in the dark.
Wear light-coloured/ high visibility clothing yourself or place strips of reflective tape on your clothing or shoes.
Remember to tuck a good torch into your pocket – and check beforehand it has a full charge. A good light source will keep you from walking into kerbs, ditches and potholes, and help older dogs with failing eyesight see their route more clearly.
Walk against any traffic. This enables you to see traffic coming towards you and makes the odds better for them seeing you.
Plan your “dark walk” routes in advance and, if possible, let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be.
Keep a safe leash on your dog. Also reassure your dog, talk gently to them during your walk. If you do want your dog to run off lead, ensure it is in a closed, fenced-off, safe area.
Be alert. Avoid wearing headphones.
Have your poo bags ready, primed and handy for when required rather than hunting for them in the dark!
Carry some identification and a fully charged mobile phone with you, in case of any unforeseen problems or accidents.
Ensure your dog is microchipped and has an ID tag on his collar with clear, up-to-date information in case the worst should happen, and he runs off, or gets lost in the dark. Microchipping is compulsory for all pet dogs, so do make sure your pet is microchipped and tagged and that all your contact details logged are current.
Be safe, be seen, and enjoy your autumn walks with your dog. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health during the autumn-winter months, do contact your veterinary practice for good, professional advice.
n In last week’s edition an article about inflammatory bowel disease in dogs was accompanied by a picture of cooked salmon, which may have given the impression that it is OK to feed pets with this condition such human foods. To clarify, many dogs with IBD will improve following an advised dietary trial. Often this involves prescribing a new prescription diet that is hypoallergenic. This is a diet low in potential allergens, and unlikely to cause a reaction, containing a unique protein source that your pet has not eaten before, for example venison or salmon. We would like to apologise for any misunderstanding. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about inflammatory bowel disease in your pets.
Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant with Crown Vets in Inverness.
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