Veterinary experts across the United Kingdom are issuing an urgent warning to pet owners as a severe cold snap, dubbed a 'snow bomb', sweeps the nation. The plummeting temperatures pose a significant threat to the health of dogs and cats, with risks ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening hypothermia.
Spotting the Subtle Signs of a Pet in Distress
According to national veterinary provider Medivet, the early indicators that your animal is suffering from the cold are frequently missed by owners. While obvious signs like persistent shivering – an involuntary reaction to falling core temperature – are a clear red flag, other symptoms can be more subtle.
Unusual drowsiness, whimpering, or whining are strong clues your pet is unhappy and cold. However, vets stress that constant watery eyes, excessive sneezing, a runny nose, or dry skin are also critical warnings that should not be overlooked.
The Grave Danger of Hypothermia
Dr Rhian Littlehales, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet, emphasised that hypothermia is a real and dangerous possibility for pets left outdoors in freezing conditions for too long. This occurs when body temperature drops to perilously low levels.
Symptoms of hypothermia include pale lips and gums, dramatically low energy, and a loss of coordination. Shivering is also a symptom, but Dr Littlehales revealed a critical detail: shivering may suddenly cease when a pet's temperature becomes critically low, which is an extremely serious development.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Pet
To safeguard animals during this cold spell, Dr Littlehales and her team recommend several practical measures. For pets with short or thin coats, a well-fitted outdoor coat can provide essential warmth. After walks in snow or rain, it is vital to thoroughly dry your pet's coat and paws once indoors.
Avoiding icy terrain is crucial to prevent slips, sprains, or breaks. Pets should not be allowed to roam alone in icy conditions, and access to frozen ponds or lakes must be blocked to prevent drowning. Short, frequent bursts of outdoor exercise are preferable to prolonged exposure, which can lead to cracked or frostbitten paws.
After every walk, owners should check their pet's paws for injury and wash them with warm water to remove harmful residues like road grit or antifreeze. Antifreeze is particularly toxic, especially to cats, where even a small amount can cause fatal kidney failure.
Finally, ensuring your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date provides an extra layer of defence against winter viruses. "Just like humans, pets can catch cold-like viruses," said Dr Littlehales. While most recover with warmth and hydration, she highlighted that kittens contracting cat flu can suffer recurring illness for life, making vaccination essential.
