The current cold snap isn't showing much sign of letting up just yet. Amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice cover all of Scotland for at least part of today, January 6, and the Met Office has issued extended alerts for Wednesday, January 7.
While the wild winter weather is wreaking havoc across roads and rails, life goes on for the vast majority of us. That means many of us will have to get wrapped up and brave the elements to get on with things.
For dog owners, that means getting your furry friend out for some crucial exercise, despite the tough conditions. Wrapping them up in a coat can give them an extra layer of protection – but one item should be avoided as it can "cause distress".
A top vet has warned people against putting winter boots on their pooches. Research has shown that searches for 'do dogs need snow boots?' rose by 600 per cent last winter, and Dr Anna Foreman, the in-house vet for Everypaw Pet Insurance, has stepped in to offer her expert opinion.
She said: "As long as owners wash and dry their dog’s paws thoroughly after a walk, there is no real need for outdoor boots. These boots are prone to causing a dog distress (dogs are not used to wearing shoes like we are), are easily lost, and are unnecessary in most cases."
