When the cold takes hold this winter, it’s not just us humans that suffer the effects – our pets feel it too. Despite their warm coats, pets are not always immune to the effects of frost and low temperatures. Old, very young or thin-coated pets may be more at risk of getting too cold, but any pet can suffer frost bite or develop potentially fatal hypothermia if they are exposed to the cold for too long.
PDSA Vet, Olivia Anderson-Nathan, offers her top tips for keeping pets warm:
- Make sure all pets always have access to a warm, dry area during cold weather.Do short regular dog walks in daylight rather than one long walk. If your dog gets wet, towel dry them when you get home.
- Consider a well-fitting, non-restrictive waterproof coat for walks if your dog is very young, old or has thin fur.
- Try and keep your cat indoors on dark, wintery nights, giving them toys to play with to keep them occupied.
- Never leave a pet unattended outside, in a car, caravan or an unheated conservatory – the temperature can plummet, risking hypothermia.
- It’s a little known fact that pets don’t shiver from the cold unless they are really badly affected. If it’s cold outside and you see your pet shivering, this could be a serious sign of hypothermia and you should bring them into the warmth straight away.
- Ice and snow can be painful if it gets compacted and stuck between the pads of your pet’s paws so try to keep the hair in between their pads trimmed and check their paws when they come back inside.
- Move rabbits and guinea pigs to a warm and sheltered spot such as a shed or car-free garage, making sure they’re protected from drafts. They should still have access to natural light, plenty of room and constant access to an outside run for exercise and stimulation.
- Provide your small pets with additional bedding hay during cold spells and cover hutches and runs with a duvet or thick blanket to help keep the cold out. You’ll need to make sure it’s out of reach from your pet and can’t be nibbled, and that there’s still a good air-flow.
- Regularly check water bottles and water bowls haven’t frozen in the cold weather.
- Check rabbits daily for signs of flystrike. Rabbits can still be at risk of this potentially deadly disease throughout the winter, so check their bottoms for fly eggs or maggots and keep their hutches clean and dry.
In association with PDSA Petsurance. 0800 980 6000.
For more information on keeping your pet safe and warm during January, visit: pdsa.org.uk/winterhealth