Cold snap prompts dog safety appeal from Dogs Trust Ballymena
- Love Ballymena
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As cold weather warnings are issued by the Met Office across Northern Ireland, Dogs Trust Ballymena has issued a stark warning to dog owners, urging them to keep their pets well away from frozen lakes, ponds and waterways.
While many dogs enjoy swimming, the charity warns that familiar splash spots can become extremely dangerous during freezing conditions. Ice may appear solid, but in most cases it is not strong enough to support a dog’s weight. If it breaks, dogs can plunge into icy water below, placing them in immediate and potentially life-threatening danger.
Dogs Trust is also stressing that owners should never enter the water if their dog falls through ice.
Cold water shock can have devastating consequences for people, leading to panic, involuntary gasping, inhalation of water and, in some cases, fatal heart attacks — even among young and otherwise healthy individuals.
Entering the water can also worsen the situation for the dog. Emergency services, including the fire service, will always prioritise rescuing a person before an animal, meaning a well-intentioned rescue attempt could delay help for the dog and put lives at further risk.
Instead, owners are advised to encourage their dog to swim back to the edge if possible and to call 999 immediately in any emergency situation.
Dom Burke, Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, said:
“Temperatures have dropped sharply in recent days, and many bodies of water are now frozen. While icy ponds and lakes may look inviting for curious dogs, they pose a serious risk to both dogs and their owners.
“If you’re walking near frozen water, it’s safest to keep your dog on a lead. If the ice breaks and your dog falls in, do not attempt to rescue them yourself, as this could put your life at risk and result in you needing emergency assistance.”
The warning comes as part of a wider seasonal safety message from the charity, highlighting that frozen water is just one of several hazards dogs face during wintry weather.
Practical cold-weather advice for dog owners
To help keep dogs safe, healthy and content throughout the colder months, Dogs Trust has issued the following guidance:
Keep cosy – Dogs can feel the cold just like people. Breeds with thicker coats may benefit from being allowed to grow their fur a little longer in winter, while short-haired dogs and puppies may need extra warmth. A well-fitting winter coat can help, introduced gradually and positively so dogs feel comfortable wearing it.
Use a lead – Snowy conditions can be disorientating for dogs and increase the risk of them becoming lost. Keep dogs on a lead where visibility is poor, ensure they wear a collar with an ID tag, and check that microchip details are up to date.
Clean up after walks – Wipe your dog’s legs, paws and tummy after walks. Road grit, salt, snow and moisture can irritate skin and paws if left behind.
Watch out for antifreeze – Antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs and has a sweet taste that can attract them. Store it securely, clean up spills immediately, and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Be seen – Owners are also reminded to dress appropriately for cold and icy conditions. With daylight hours shorter, reflective or high-visibility clothing can improve safety, alongside reflective leads, collars, coats or flashing lights for dogs.
Check equipment – Leads, collars and harnesses should be checked regularly, as winter weather can cause wear and rust, particularly on metal clips. Cold temperatures can also make clips harder to handle, so fastening leads indoors before walks may help.
Try indoor activities – If poor weather limits outdoor exercise, mental stimulation remains important. Games such as hide and seek or ‘find it’, puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys and long-lasting chews can help keep dogs entertained indoors.
Dogs Trust says the advice is aimed not only at protecting dogs, but also at preventing owners from putting themselves in danger during extreme weather.
Further guidance on keeping dogs safe and happy during cold weather is available at:
