Winter pet safety
As the weather outside gets colder and we’re faced with darker mornings and evenings, looking out for the safety of our four-legged friends is more important than ever.
Whether they enjoy winter walks in the snow or snuggling up on the sofa, our furry companions offer a joyful light in the darkness of winter. But as with every season, it’s crucial that we recognise how our pets might be affected by changes in temperature and climate.
If you’re starting to feel the cold or struggling to navigate in the dark, chances are, your pet may be too. Here’s how you can keep your pets safe and happy this winter.
Keeping warm
One of the most important things you can do for your pet at this time of year is offer them a warm and comfortable environment in which to reside, rest and play.
Ensure that your pet’s bed provides sufficient insulation, whether this entails having raised sides, a blanket or a pillow, and place it in a warmer area of the house. Not only will your pet be able to rest more comfortably at night, but they’ll also have a spot to snuggle up when the temperature is low in the day.
While they are used to roaming around in varying conditions, outdoor cats still feel the cold as much as the rest of us, so it is equally important to give them easy access to a warm space. Installing a cat flap in your door is an effective way to allow your cat the freedom to retreat into warmth if needed. Sheds or garages can also offer a cosy sanctuary for cats.
Keeping your pets indoors for longer periods over the winter can naturally result in less physical activity. But this doesn’t mean that we can’t promote exercise and stimulation in other ways. Playing games indoors with them can significantly improve your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing during these down periods. Being conscientious about your pet’s diet and potentially cutting down on food can also help to keep them in shape while they are getting less exercise.
Dog walking
As long as all the right precautions are taken, walks can still be just as enjoyable and fulfilling for your dog in the winter as they are any other time of year.
Wrapping up warm is the best way to beat the cold, and the same goes for dogs. While they look adorable, doggy coats and jumpers serve an essential purpose of keeping our pets warm on chilly walks. However, not all breeds will need these; while short-coated dogs like greyhounds, Dobermans and Staffordshire bull terriers will appreciate a warm jacket, longer-haired breeds, e.g., huskies and German shepherds could overheat with one on.
Paw care is especially important during the colder seasons due to the increased exposure to different elements. Icy conditions mean that your pet may come into contact with salt and chemical de-icers, which are toxic if they lick their paws. Prioritise thoroughly washing and drying your dog’s paws when you get in from a walk, also checking for lodged compacted snow, which can cause a lot of pain. To be proactive, trim the fur around your dog’s paws to prevent build-up from occurring. Booties can also be purchased if your dog shows signs of having cold paws, for example, lifting their paws or stopping on walks.
Colder conditions also present new hazards like iced over lakes and rivers, which can easily break under the weight of a dog. Keeping them away from the water, on lead, is essential in protecting them from harm.
While some pet owners may be able to adjust their routines to ensure lighter walking conditions, for many of us, the dark is unavoidable. Therefore, having appropriate visibility wear, like a reflective/flashing collar and lead, is vital in making drivers aware of your presence. Using a torch or head lamp can also be helpful, especially if both of your hands are already full.
Outdoor cats
Cats need their freedom in the winter just as much as any other time of year, but it is no secret that the cold and dark present new threats to their safety.
Motorists in particular should try to be alert to the whereabouts of cats around neighbourhoods in the dark, even before setting off on a drive. In pursuit of warmth and shelter, cats will often hide under vehicle hoods during colder periods comforted by the heat of engines, posing a significant risk to their safety. All drivers should therefore routinely tap their car hood before setting off on a drive, ensuring that any animals hiding beneath their vehicle move well away.
Cats are also at risk of drinking from puddles of anti-freeze, which can often be found dripping from car radiators. This is extremely poisonous to all animals, so vehicle owners should try to mop up any spills where possible.
Smaller pets
Many small pet species, like rabbits and guinea pigs, are homed outside, so need to be given extra attention during periods of very cold weather.
Outdoor hutches should be positioned in a way that prevents any rain or snow from blowing in, and a thick blanket covering can be used to provide extra insulation. Additionally, you can always give your pet extra bedding to help them create the perfect cosy bed.
If the weather is particularly harsh, there is no harm in temporarily bringing your pet’s hutch indoors or into your shed or garage to keep them away from the cold.
It’s key to remember that every animal is different and will present its own unique needs during the winter, which you can only learn by getting to know your pet and its limits. Pets that are elderly, very young, unwell or short-coated will struggle more with the cold than others.