Animals Need Protecting During the Cold Months

Cold weather can cause serious problems for our animal friends. Keeping our furry friends healthy and safe is vital during the cold months.

Health & Well Being

Keep up to date with all the vaccinations for your pets. It’s also very important to have regular health check-ups as the cold can cause problems or even aggravate conditions, like arthritis.

Arthritis can cause pain and suffering especially in elderly animals, things like walking on snow and ice can cause problems and pressure of their joints and they can slip and fall.

With various conditions in animals like diabetes can sometimes cause problems in keeping their body temperature regulated. Always consult your veterinarian as they can help with information and advice on your pet.

Just like humans, cats and dogs can also be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so keep them warm inside and avoid leaving them outside, especially with freezing temperatures.

Going out for a walk with your dog is an important part of keeping them healthy and well, but it’s important to be aware of some of the dangers the cold freezing weather can cause too. Try to avoid water such as frozen ponds and lakes, they will often be iced over and can break easily, which could result in potentially fatal consequences for your dog.

When you have been out for a walk always wipe down your dog’s paws and coat. Very often people will use rock salts (which have chemicals in and can be toxic to pets) during the cold weather and these can end up stuck in paws. Give them a good wipe down and clean every time you come in from the outside.

Keep A Watch Out For Our Feline Friends

Many animals in particular cats, will look for places which are warm. A common place for them to rest is under a car or near a warm engine. Always check for animals underneath and around your vehicle before setting off.

Microchipping

Microchipping is one of the most important things you can do for your animal to help protect them from becoming lost. With a chip, an animal will have the chance to be reunited with their guardians should they become lost. Most importantly, ensure the data on that chip is up to date.

Microchipping is one of the most important things you can do for your animal to help protect them from becoming lost. With a chip, an animal will have the chance to be reunited with their guardians should they become lost. Most importantly, ensure the data on that chip is up to date.

Cars Can Get Cold Too 

During the summer when the weather is getting hotter, so can the temperatures in cars. It’s the same during the winter, cold temperatures outside can also cause cars to become very cold. These extreme temperatures can cause problems for any pets in a car. Leaving an animal in a car during can cause serious consequences, so avoid leaving them unattended in a vehicle.

When outside in the cold, always keep an eye on your animal for any unusual signs such as shivering, slowing down or perhaps not even moving, these can be signs of hypothermia.

If you are worried, concerned or need advice consult your veterinarian immediately.