Common Winter Emergencies for Pets: Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for our furry friends. Below, we outline some of the most prevalent winter-related emergencies and how to keep your pets safe.

Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity

Why It Happens

Increased antifreeze use during winter can expose pets to toxic spills. Even a small amount can be fatal to them.

Symptoms

Look out for vomiting, drooling, seizures, and lethargy.

Prevention

Store antifreeze securely, clean up spills immediately, and opt for pet-safe alternatives. If you think your cat has ingested any, contact us immediately.

A curious tabby cat explores the snowy landscape, its fur dusted with delicate snowflakes, surrounded by a winter wonderland of snow-covered trees.

Arthritis and Mobility Challenges

Why It Happens

Cold temperatures can exacerbate joint pain, especially in older pets or those with arthritis.

Symptoms

Common signs include stiffness, reluctance to move, and limping.

Prevention

Keep pets warm indoors, provide them with soft bedding, and ring us to arrange a consultation to discuss pain management options for your pet.

Respiratory Infections

Why It Happens

Kennel cough and other respiratory illnesses often spike in damp, cold UK winters, especially in communal settings.

Symptoms

Watch for coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

Prevention

Ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially if your dog goes to daycare or kennels. Avoid exposure to sick animals and limit time in cold, wet weather. Ask us about our Kennel Cough vaccination program. If your pet has nasal discharge, they may require antibiotics.

Rodenticide Poisoning

Why It Happens

There is often an increased use of rodent poison in homes during winter months.

Symptoms

Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, and bleeding.

Prevention

Use pet-safe rodenticides and store all chemicals securely.

Burns and Electrical Injuries

Why It Happens

Pets seeking warmth may accidentally burn themselves on heaters or chew on festive lighting cords.

Symptoms

Look for burns, pain, or signs of electrical shock.

Prevention

Supervise pets around heaters, cover cords, and unplug unused lights.

A cozy tabby cat sleeps peacefully atop a warm radiator, enjoying a serene moment of rest.

Salt and Chemical Paw Irritation

Why It Happens

Road salt and de-icers irritate paw pads, and pets licking their paws may ingest harmful toxins.

Symptoms

Watch for red, irritated paws, excessive licking, and drooling.

Prevention

Wipe your pet's paws after walks, use protective booties, and avoid heavily salted areas.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Why It Happens

Pets may consume contaminated snow, festive foods, or foreign objects like tinsel or cooked bones.

Symptoms

Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Prevention

Supervise pets during celebrations, avoid giving table scraps, and keep decorations out of reach.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

Why It Happens

Cold, damp conditions pose serious risks for small or short-haired breeds and outdoor cats.

Symptoms

Watch for shivering, lethargy, and discolored extremities.

Prevention

Limit outdoor time, provide warm clothing, and dry pets thoroughly after being outside.

Accidental Injuries

Why It Happens

Slips on icy paths or falls through frozen ponds are common during UK winters.

Symptoms

Signs may include limping, visible pain, or wet/muddy fur from pond incidents.

Prevention

Keep pets leashed near ice, avoid risky areas, and monitor playtime closely.

Car Engine Incidents

Why It Happens

Cats often seek warmth in car engines and may get injured when the car starts.

Symptoms

Injuries from engine components are a common issue.

Prevention

Tap the hood or honk the horn before starting your car to ensure no animals are hiding inside.

In Summary...

A curious dog stands alert on a snow-covered path, surrounded by a serene winter landscape.

Be vigilant and be ready: Here at Paw Vet, we believe that in an emergency, you should hear a familiar voice on the phone, and your pet should be treated by one of their regular vets. That is why we offer our own on-call out-of-hours emergency service. In the event of an emergency, call us at 020 8194 3335.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Proactive care and vigilance are key to avoiding winter emergencies. Should you have concerns or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure your pets have a safe and happy winter season!