Dog owners should exercise caution in icy conditions

The recent report of a woman who narrowly escaped death when she plunged into a freezing river in Clitheroe, Lancashire to save her pet dog is not unusual at this time of year warns the UK's leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Across the UK, reports of dogs falling into frozen lakes, rivers and canals are increasing in frequency as the icy weather tightens its grip and even more worrying are reports of pet owners and members of the public placing themselves in danger by jumping in to frozen water in an attempt to rescue stranded animals.

NFU Mutual is urging owners to ensure they keep their dogs on a lead when walking close to open bodies of water such as lakes, ponds and canals and to carry a mobile phone with them in case they, or their dog get into difficulties. It is also keen to remind pet owners that dogs are just as likely as their owners to slip and injure themselves in cold, icy conditions.

The first cold snap often heralds an increase in claims for dogs slipping and injuring themselves on ice; and, with the average cost for a claim of this nature totalling £2,000, many pet owners without pet insurance could be left out in the cold this winter if they can't find the funds to pay for treatment.

Commenting on the importance of pet insurance, Justine Simms-Gould, General Insurance Underwriter at NFU Mutual, said: "Veterinary treatment continues to be an area of high claims, both in terms of numbers and costs. With that in mind, any money an owner may save by cancelling or failing to renew a policy could prove to be a false economy when compared to the expense of meeting bills for serious conditions or accidents."

To help dog owners keep themselves and their pet safe and sound this winter, NFU Mutual has issued the following advice:

Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and take it with you every time you walk your dog

Keep you dog/s on the lead when walking close to open water and don't throw sticks or balls close to frozen water

If your dog does fall through the ice don't go onto the ice to rescue them -if the ice wasn't strong enough to support your pet's weight it won't be able to support your weight.

Call the emergency services.