How to keep dogs safe on the fells over summer
Patterdale Mountain RescuePeople should plan walks on the fells for their dogs as much as for humans to avoid getting into trouble, according to a mountain rescue volunteer.
As schools prepare to break up for summer and temperatures soar across Cumbria, Patterdale Mountain Rescue's deputy leader Matthew Nielsen has given some safety tips for pet owners.
It comes as the team was called to rescue a dog stuck on challenging ground at Buck Crag, Hartsop. They had to use a rope system to reach the animal "over steep, vertical and confused ground" and reunite it with its owners.
"The last thing we want is somebody to put themselves into danger trying to get to the dog and then we've got a human in trouble," Nielsen said.
He said whether dogs should be on a lead or not on the fells depended on their training and whether there was livestock around.
He said: "If in any doubt, and if you're in areas where it's very windy and there's big cliffs then we'd much rather people keep them on the lead - obviously err on the side of caution."
Patterdale Mountain RescueNielsen said if a dog became lost, people should check for a grid reference of where it was last seen and call mountain rescue for advice.
He added as temperatures soared, people should be mindful of the impact the heat could have on dogs, as well as themselves.
Nielsen said people should plan their route carefully, consider if there is any shade and how steep the ground is.
"Take water with you and something that you can you can pour the water into and consider 'are there water stops on the way for the dog?', just so that you don't over overheat the dog and cause any unneeded suffering."
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team is no stranger to dog rescues either.
Earlier this month, volunteers were called to help when two Bernese mountain dogs became stuck at Wastwater Screes, an area of boulders on the bank of Wastwater.
The team's Richard Warren said people should also be mindful of how hot the ground could get.
"They can only lose heat through panting and their paws get burnt on the rocks as well - dogs on the mountain really isn't a good thing to do [in the heat]."
