As the UK is hit by a ‘snow bomb’, vets are warning that the cold snap can take a toll on our furry four-legged friends.
From runny noses to frostbitten paws and even full-blown hypothermia, chilly weather can cause various health problems for pets.
Medivet, who provide veterinary care across the country, said early warning signs are often easy to miss.
And there are several key symptoms to look out for during periods of cold weather which could indicate something more serious.
One of the most obvious warning signs is shivering as – like in humans – the involuntary response is triggered when the body detects a drop in core temperature.
Whimpering or whining is also a clear clue your pet is unhappy, while unusual drowsiness is also an obvious sign something is wrong.
However some other indications might be overlooked – and could even mean urgent action needs to be taken.
Other warning signs your pet is too cold include constant watery eyes, excessive sneezing, a runny nose or dry skin.
From runny noses to frostbitten paws and even full-blown hypothermia, chilly weather can cause various health problems for pets (file image)
Dr Rhian Littlehales, clinical governance director at Medivet, warned hypothermia is a real possibility for pets who are out in the cold for too long.
Specific symptoms of hypothermia – when the body temperature drops dangerously low – include pale lips and gums, low energy and a loss of coordination, she revealed.
Shivering is also a symptom – but this may suddenly stop in pets when their temperature reaches critically low levels.
One way you can help keep your pet safe is to consider a coat, Dr Littlehales said.
‘If your pet has a short or thin coat, it can be a good idea to put them in a coat to keep them warm,’ she explained.
‘If it’s snowing or raining, make sure that you thoroughly dry your pet’s coat and paws once they’re back inside to keep them warm.’
It may sound obvious, but avoiding icy conditions is key to reducing the risk of injury.
‘Icy conditions make it hard to keep traction on the ground, and this can lead to your pet slipping and causing injuries, such as sprains or even breaks, especially if you’re not around to watch them,’ she said.
Dr Littlehales said to avoid letting your pet roam around outside during icy conditions as prolonged cold exposure can cause their paws to crack
‘It’s also best to avoid or cordon off access to frozen lakes or ponds, to help prevent falls through thin layers of ice into potentially freezing waters and keep you and your pet safe.
‘Avoid letting your pet roam outside alone during icy conditions and check them for limping or any signs of pain after spending time outside in the cold.’
Exercising your pet for short bursts of time is a good way to prevent them from spending too long in the cold.
‘While it’s important that your pet still gets time outside for exercise and toilet breaks, ensure they are only outside for short, but frequent bursts to minimise exposure to the cold.
‘Prolonged cold exposure can cause your pet’s paws to crack, or even become frostbitten, and so it’s vital to keep walks and outside time brief and keep your pets moving and active at all times.’
After walks, it’s important to check your pet’s paws for any signs of injury, she explained, adding that road grit and antifreeze can also cause problems.
‘It is recommended to wash paws with warm water after returning from outside to ensure no residue is left,’ she said.
‘These chemicals can also be harmful to your pet if ingested, especially cats as even a small amount can cause kidney failure and even death, so be careful to prevent them from getting any on their coat or licking it off their paws.’
Finally, staying up to date with pet vaccinations can give your pets an extra defence against winter illnesses.
‘Just like humans, pets can catch cold-like viruses,’ Dr Littlehales said. ‘If you suspect your pet has a virus, simply keep them warm, hydrated, and away from other animals. You can also speak to a vet for further advice.
‘Most pets will recover well on their own, but if kittens catch cat flu when they’re very young, it can lie dormant and keep coming back throughout the rest of their life, triggered by things like stress, poor diet, and other illnesses. This can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to other health issues.
‘It’s recommended that owners get their cats vaccinated against flu. Kittens need an initial course of two injections and yearly boosters to maintain immunity. Dogs can also be vaccinated yearly against kennel cough from eight weeks old.’
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAT? THE 13 SECRET SIGNALS FELINES GIVE THEIR OWNERS
Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner’s demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth.
In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language.
In her eye-opening new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin – with the help of animal behaviourists – explains how to interpret your pet’s movements.
Below are some of the most common behaviours and what they could signal.
Our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language
