Winter is a season that many consider to be their favourite – the potential for snow to give a magical appearance to the dullest of landscapes, the chance to eat warming soups and stews, ice skating at city centre rinks and of course Christmas. However, there are some serious winter hazards for dogs that accompany the season. If you’re a dog owner these are definitely worth consideration to try to keep your dog healthy during the winter months. We’ve highlighted 7 winter hazards for dogs. Is your dog protected?
The cold
Dogs feel the cold too and are also susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Don’t leave your dog outside if temperatures plummet below zero and consider purchasing a coat for dog walks. Dogs can also get too cold in the car. Adding a Travall Liner allows a comfortable area for them to sit, and providing blankets for them too can take the chill out of a car journey. Symptoms of hypothermia vary ranging from shivering and weakness in mild cases, to fixed, dilated pupils and difficulty breathing in more severe cases. Contact your vet immediately if your dog is showing any symptoms of hypothermia.
The rain
Although some parts of the country have already had some snow this season, it’s not often that the UK is completely inundated with snow in the winter months. In the last few years, inundation with rain has been particularly problematic with many parts of the country experiencing severe flooding. We all hope that we won’t need to evacuate our homes, but it is still wise to have a plan in place for what to do with your dog if you find yourself in that situation.
The following list gives suggestions for items to have pre-packed specifically for your dog:
- 2-week supply of non-perishable dog food
- Food and water dishes
- Blankets
- Pet carrier
- Bedding
- Spare lead
- Medicines
- First aid kit
- Plastic bags for waste collection
- Photocopies of vaccination details
- Photocopies of microchip details
- A recent photograph of you with your pet
Finding a place to stay can be difficult if there are lots of other people evacuating their homes at the same time. If you know that your area can be prone to flooding, try to plan in advance by contacting family or friends that live elsewhere to see if they would be willing to temporarily house you and your pet in such an emergency. If this isn’t an option, make a list of pet-friendly hotels outside of your area with contact details, to offer a temporary solution until you can make other arrangements.
After a flood, everyone wants to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Returning home after a flood can be mentally and physically challenging and depending on the amount of destruction that has been caused, clearing up can be a lengthy process. Where possible, it is better to introduce pets back into the home when hazards have been eradicated.
Antifreeze
It’s an essential item to keep our cars running during the colder months, but it is lethal for dogs. Unfortunately, antifreeze has a very sweet taste that dogs (and other animals) find appealing, but just a small amount of this liquid is enough to be fatal. Ensure that any antifreeze stored at your home is well away from the reach of your pets. If you accidentally spill the antifreeze, clean it up immediately with something like cat litter, which will absorb the liquid.
Road grit
Road grit that is spread on roads by local councils is essentially rock salt, which is a mixture of sodium chloride and grit. If your dog licks the salt from his paws after a walk on roads or pavements that have been gritted, it can be toxic. After winter walks ensure that paws are washed with water so that there is no salt left to irritate the paws. If you suspect your pet has ingested the grit, do not induce vomiting in your dog, but seek immediate advice from your vet.
Icy pavements
Slippery road and pavement surfaces are hazardous to humans. Pets are also at risk of broken bones and dislocated hips if they fall. It is especially problematic for older dogs, so take care of yourself and your dog if walking in a winter wonderland.
Candles
There’s nothing cosier than lighting a few candles on a dark winter night. However, it’s really important to think about the placement of these. Any candles that can be reached by your dog can get knocked over resulting in burns or starting a fire. If your dog has burns, seek assistance from a veterinarian.
Bodies of frozen water
If the pond at your local park is a favourite destination for your dog, take a little extra care during extremely cold days. If the pond is frozen on top, it can be extremely dangerous for a dog who can fall through the ice and potentially get trapped under the ice in the frigid waters.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult your vet for advice specific to your dog.
