UK outdoor hazards: ticks, adders, algae and grass seeds
A calm guide to the natural hazards UK dog walkers meet: ticks and Lyme disease, adders, blue-green algae and grass seeds, and what to do about each.
Safety
Meeting new people, walking in all weathers and the hazards worth knowing about.
The Countryside Code for dog walkers, in plain English
What the Countryside Code means for dog owners: effective control, lead rules around livestock, bagging and binning waste, and what to do if cattle chase you.
Dark evenings and winter walks: be seen, stay warm
Practical tips for winter dog walks in the UK: being visible, lit routes, cold weather care, antifreeze, icy paths and why company makes dark evenings better.
Walking dogs in hot weather: keeping cool and safe
How to walk your dog safely when it is warm: the five second pavement test, spotting heatstroke, cooler walk times, water, shade and never leaving a dog in a car.
Meeting a stranger for a dog walk, safely
Sensible, friendly habits for meeting someone new for a dog walk: choosing a public place, telling a friend, trusting your gut and knowing how to leave.