Dogs and the Countryside

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When we think about birds making nests, we usually imagine them building twig homes up in trees or hedges. But some birds choose to lay their eggs right on the ground. These ground-dwelling birds use clever camouflage to hide their babies in this risky environment. Sadly, these amazing birds are facing more and more challenges because people and pet dogs are disturbing their habitats.

Dogs often drink water from dirty puddles, but those murky pools can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, chemicals, oil, animal waste, dead insects, and rubbish. Puddles can be a dangerous mix of sharp objects and germs that might make your dog ill.

Dog owners should always keep their dogs on a lead near fast-flowing water. When heavy rains come, rivers can flood, making the currents strong even if the water levels look safe. It's crucial to be extremely cautious around open water, as any fast flow can be dangerous for dogs, regardless of how well they can swim. Dogs can quickly get into trouble in strong currents and struggle to make it back to land. Floodwater is particularly risky because it often contains debris that could harm your dog.

Blue-green algae isn't actually algae – it's a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. These bacteria clump together in bodies of water, giving them an algae-like appearance. That's where the name comes from. Blue-green algae thrives in non-flowing fresh waters like lakes, ponds and rivers. The still conditions allow the bacteria to multiply and form visible blooms or scums on the surface.

Ticks, as parasitic creatures, rely on a host for sustenance and reproduction by seeking a mate. They have the ability to transmit diseases acquired from one host to another, potentially endangering humans as well. This transmission of diseases poses a significant threat, emphasising the importance of understanding and preventing the spread of these illnesses.

Although most lowland sheep in the UK are confined to fields and paddocks, certain areas across the UK allow them to roam freely. These open spaces provide the animals with a natural grazing environment, where they can wander and graze without restrictions. The rugged terrain and vast expanses of land in these regions make it impractical to fence off large areas, allowing the sheep to move about as they please.  

 It's a criminal offence if you willingly let your dogs chase wildlife. You could face hefty fines or even jail time. Dogs are predators, and their instinct is to hunt small animals. When unleashed into the countryside, they can severely harm or kill protected species, birds, rabbits, and deer. As a responsible owner, you must keep your dogs on a lead or under close control at all times in areas with wildlife.  

Abandoned quarries can be really dangerous. In recent years, many dogs have tragically died in old quarries. The water in these quarries is much colder than in rivers, lakes, or the sea. Some quarries are super deep, being fed by underground springs or aquifers. Since this water comes from deep underground, it's icy cold. This means your dog could get tired much quicker than you might think.

Walking your dogs near cliffs and mountains can be really risky. Dogs are naturally curious and might not realise how dangerous it is to go too close to the edge. They could easily slip or be blown over by a strong gust of wind. Steep drops are a serious danger for both you and your dog. Even if your dog is well-trained, they could get scared by wildlife or too excited and dash towards the edge before you have a chance to stop them. Loose rocks and uneven ground make slips and falls more likely.