When your dog needs a lead, and what to watch for through the year.
On open access land, a dog has to be on a short lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July, and near livestock all year (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000). The South Downs National Park also asks for a lead near grazing animals, above all in spring, and asks people to stick to the paths from 1 March to 15 September.
1 March to 15 September
On open access land, a dog has to be on a short lead of no more than 2 metres from 1 March to 31 July. Near livestock, that applies all year. The National Park asks people to stick to the paths, especially between 1 March and 15 September, and to keep dogs on a lead near wildlife.
1 March to 30 April
The South Downs National Park asks for a lead near grazing animals, and stresses spring, when young livestock are vulnerable and pregnant ewes are in the fields. A chased sheep can lose her lamb.
From South Downs National Park, Take the Lead (2026, no page date)
1 October to 1 February
In England the pheasant season runs from 1 October to 1 February, and partridge from 1 September. The shooting code says shoots should pause to let people on a footpath or bridleway pass, and may put up signs on shoot days. Keep your dog on the path and follow any local signs.
1 February to 31 October
Adder bites in dogs are reported from February to October, and most often from June to August. That is a national note, not a Lewes count. If one is bitten, keep the dog still and ring a vet. The help page has the local numbers.
1 March to 31 October
The RSPCA puts the peak tick season from March to October, and in summer grass seeds are a common problem too: both wait in long grass. After a walk, run your hands over your dog and check its ears, eyes, armpits, groin and between its toes. Twist a tick off with a tick remover without squeezing it, and ring your vet if a seed has gone in, or if your dog seems unwell after a tick, as some carry Lyme disease.
1 June to 31 August
Most heatstroke in dogs starts with exercise, so on warm days walk early in the morning or late in the evening, and take water. Hold your hand on the pavement for seven seconds: if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Never leave a dog in a car on a warm day, even in the shade with the windows open. If your dog overheats, cool it with cold water at once, then ring your vet and take it in.
1 September to 31 October
Seasonal Canine Illness is very rare. It affects dogs in autumn, most often in September, usually within three days of a woodland walk: sickness, diarrhoea, tiredness, tummy pain, trembling or a high temperature. Ring your vet at once and mention the walk; most dogs treated quickly recover.
From Blue Cross, Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) (reviewed 20 November 2025)
1 November to 31 May
Alabama rot is rare, but more cases are reported from November to May, and many affected dogs had been walked in muddy or woodland areas. Look for sores or ulcers on the legs, paws or face, and ring your vet at once if you find one. Some vets advise washing a dog's legs after a muddy walk.
From Blue Cross, Alabama rot in dogs (reviewed 7 October 2026)
1 November to the end of February
On dark evenings, make sure drivers and other walkers can see your dog: a hi-vis coat, a flashing collar or a light helps, and be seen yourself. Keep dogs off frozen ponds, as the ice may not take their weight. If one falls through, don't go in after it: call it back to you and ring the emergency services. After a walk, wipe its legs, feet and belly, as road grit and wet can irritate the skin.
From Dogs Trust, How to keep your dog safe and warm in cold weather (no page date)
Updated . The forecast page shows each note in its own months.
