Vet-approved advice for summer walks: protect your dog and local wildlife

Canine Cottages has partnered with expert Dr Emma Scales-Theobald to share tips for keeping your dog safe and away from wildlife during a countryside walk...

Exploring the great outdoors with your dog is one of the best parts of a UK staycation but with nature comes wildlife, and it’s important to know what you might encounter while out and about. From curious deer and ground-nesting birds to sneaky ticks and buzzing insects, there are plenty of potential hazards that can pose a risk to both your pet and the local wildlife.

With this in mind, Canine Cottages has partnered with animal behaviourist Dr Emma Scales-Theobald to share top tips to help keep your dog safe, calm, and under control during countryside adventures. Covering which wildlife to look out for, how to avoid unwanted encounters, and what to do if things don’t go to plan so you and your pup can enjoy the great British outdoors responsibly.

Here are Dr Scales-Theobald’s top tips for keeping your dog healthy and safe on your next outdoors adventure:

Livestock

• It is a legal requirement for dogs to be kept on a lead and under control when near livestock. Even if you think your dog will ignore the other animals, a restraint must be used in every case.
• Dogs must not worry livestock. This means they must not chase, attack, or cause stress, injury or suffering to the animals.
• Spring is lambing season, and when a dog chases sheep and their lambs it causes them serious stress. Conversely, sheep and cattle can become aggressive if threatened, posing risks to you and your dog.
• Always keep your dog on a short lead near livestock to protect everyone involved.

Ticks

• Ticks thrive in long grass and wooded areas, so always check your dog after a walk. Focus on areas like their ears, armpits, groin, and neck.
• Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can be serious or fatal for pets.
• Use a proper tick removal tool to prevent leaving any part behind.
• Speak to your vet about preventative treatments, especially from spring through to autumn.

Adders

• The UK’s only venomous snake, adders can be life-threatening to dogs if bitten.
• They hibernate during winter and are most active from April onwards, especially in the afternoon so be extra vigilant at this time.
• Commonly found in heathland, moorland, dunes, and woodland fringes. Stick to well-trodden paths and keep your dog on a lead.
• If bitten, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.
• Signs of a bite may include nervousness, whimpering, limping, licking the wound, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting, wobbly movement, and fever.
• Keep your dog calm and warm, and carry them if possible, to slow the spread of venom in the bloodstream.
• Call ahead to your emergency vet so they can prepare in advance.

Ground nesting birds

• Nesting season runs from March to July, and birds often nest in moorland, heathland, and coastal areas.
• Dogs can easily disturb these nests, which can result in injury or death to birds and chicks.
• Follow signage and stick to marked paths to avoid sensitive nesting sites.
• On open access land, dogs must be on a lead between 1 March and 31 July.
• Some coastal beaches may be closed or cordoned off, so it’s best to check in advance.
• Regularly practise recall training in safe areas to help avoid unwanted encounters.

Deer

• Dogs should be on a long lead in deer habitats even those with good recall may revert to their prey drive.
• Chasing deer can cause serious injury to either party, and dogs may get lost.
• From May to August, young deer may be hidden in long grass while their mother’s forage. Take extra care during these months.
• Keep your distance and avoid sensitive areas. Positive reinforcement training for calm behaviour can help make walks safer.

Wasps, bees and horseflies

• Dogs often try to snap at insects, which can result in stings.
• Stings may cause allergic reactions, swelling, or distress.
• Distract dogs with toys or treats when insects are present and practise commands such as ‘leave it’ as well as recall commands.
• Carry a first aid kit including antiseptic wipes, antihistamines (vet-approved), tick removers, bandages, paw balm, and your vet’s number.
• Do not squeeze a sting, it can inject more venom.

General Countryside Advice

• Always dispose of dog poo responsibly. Take it with you or use designated bins.
• Leaving poo, even unbagged, can harm wildlife and the environment. It may spread disease, and its scent can disturb animals.
• Avoid leaving bagged poo behind even biodegradable bags can harm wildlife because they don’t break down properly in nature.