A warning to pet owners that as temperatures plunge that icy conditions and seasonal hazards such as grit and de‑icer could put dogs at risk of hypothermia, chemical burns, and poisoning.
Pet dogs caution
From frozen paws to antifreeze poisoning, Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, has highlighted the risk of serious illnesses dogs face now temperatures are dropping in the UK.
“Many owners assume that because dogs have fur, they’re naturally protected from the cold, but that’s not true,” explains Ross. “Just like us, dogs can suffer from hypothermia and even chemical burns from winter road salt and grit.”
Hypothermia risks
A prolonged exposure to cold, especially in wet or windy conditions, is a primary cause of hypothermia in dogs. Wet and windy conditions can also increase risk as water and wind accelerate heat loss, making a dog's fur less insulating.
Being in cold water for too long can also cause hypothermia by rapidly lowering a dog's body temperature. Keep dogs on the lead around any frozen water, such as a pond or lake, to help avoid this.
“A dog’s fur can only protect them from so much cold weather, and they can get hypothermia if they become too cold and can’t warm up,” explains Ross. “Watch out for shivering, paleness, low energy, and bad coordination and seek urgent veterinary advice if you think your dog is suffering.”
Ross is also encouraging owners to avoid walking their pets at the coldest times: "If you can, avoid going out at the coldest times of the day and try head out towards midday, when temperatures are likely to have risen slightly."
While some dogs have thick fur to protect them, small, short-haired and older dogs lose heat quickly and require extra care and attention in colder temperatures.
“Keeping your dog well exercised is just as necessary in the winter months as it is in summer,” states Ross. “For breeds less suited to cold weather, such as whippets, greyhounds, and Yorkshire terriers, consider a weatherproof, fleece-lined coat to keep them warm. Limit their time outdoors in the cold to prevent discomfort and health risks.”
Ross is also making owners aware of further hazards that come with walks this time of year.
Chemical burns
A wintry walk can play havoc with your pooch’s paws, so you need to regularly check and dry them after they've been outside. Salt, grit, and ice-melt chemicals can irritate paw pads, leading to painful cracks. In some cases, salt may even burn the pads and become toxic if licked off during grooming.
For long-haired dogs, trimming the fur around their feet helps prevent ice balls from forming between the toes. “Wipe your dog’s paws with warm water after every walk, and consider getting a set of dog booties for when the cold really sets in,” suggests Ross.
Antifreeze poisoning
Antifreeze and de-icers are often used during frosty weather to keep cars running and to melt snow on driveways and footpaths. However, these substances pose a serious danger to pets, who can ingest them simply by licking the ground or their paws after a walk.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a substance that is highly toxic to animals. Even small amounts can cause poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma.
As Ross explains, “to prevent antifreeze poisoning, store antifreeze containers out of your pets' reach. Clean up any antifreeze spills promptly and protect your pet's paws by using dog booties and wiping their paws after being outside."
For more help on taking care of your pets in the cold, please visit: Purely Pets Insurance
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