With the first autumn frost nipping at our fingers, our thoughts turn to keeping our dogs warm, comfortable and healthy through the colder weather ahead.
Most healthy dogs love the outdoors, even when the temperature plummets, but older dogs, puppies and dogs recuperating from illness might need special care and attention before exposing them to very poor conditions.
If you're in any doubt over your dog's health, or if he seems reluctant to venture outside in colder weather, it's worth a quick visit to your vet before winter sets in to rule out any reason that needs medical intervention.
Tips to keep your dog warm and healthy this winter
Warm Coats: Lean, smooth-coated dogs such as whippets may feel the cold more than bigger, rough-coated or long-haired breeds, so think about an extra layer for your dog when you venture out on walks.
There's a huge range of waterproof, windproof and well insulated dog coats on today's market, made from the same technical fabrics that are used for humans. Dog coats can also be bought in reflective materials for extra visibility at night. Invest in a quality brand such as Hurrta or Back on Track for the best protection against the weather.
Shelter: Make sure your dog has somewhere warm and cosy to settle down in winter. If he's an outside dog, adequate shelter from the elements is an obvious requirement, but give some thought to extra insulation for even more warmth. Hay and blankets are good and some kennels even have central heating!
Indoor pets also need a place to snooze in comfort, especially if you have stone, wood or tiled floors. Even carpets, though softer, don't really give your dog a comfortable space of his own. There are many excellent dog beds to choose from in a variety of styles, from padded blankets and fleece-lined, quilted round beds to beds with technical, thermal properties.
A quality dog bed not only keeps your dog warm in winter, it provides support and comfort.
Protect their feet: If your dog gets a bit hairy between his toes he could collect ice-balls and packed snow, which will make him very uncomfortable. Have your dog groomer clip the hair short in this area or invest in some boots for your pooch.
Diet: Humans tend to comfort eat in the cold weather, but try not to indulge your dog in the same habit - the results, combined with a tendency to not get quite as much exercise as usual this time of year, are predictable!
If your dog lives outdoors, however, he'll be burning more energy to keep warm, so you might actually need to feed them a little more. Also check water bowls regularly for outdoor dogs to make sure they haven't iced over in extreme weather.
With these basics covered, you and your dog are set for a happy and healthy autumn and winter.

Agility World is an expert on dog care, selling a wide range of insulated dog beds and quality dog coats from Hurrta and Back on Track. For more information see www.agilityworld.co.uk.