During this especially cold weather, we see a lot more pets with issues arising from hazards which occur in the winter. Our January blog post focuses on the most common emergencies seen by UK vets at this time of year.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity
Why It Happens: Increased antifreeze use during winter can expose pets to toxic spills. Even a small amount is fatal.
Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, seizures, 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.
Arthritis and Mobility Challenges
Why It Happens: Cold temperatures exacerbate joint pain, especially in older pets or those with arthritis.
Symptoms: Stiffness, reluctance to move, limping.
Prevention: Keep pets warm indoors, provide 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 spike in damp, cold UK winters, especially in communal settings.
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge.
Prevention: Ensure vaccinations are up to date (especially if your dog goes to day care or kennels), avoid exposure to sick animals, and limit time in cold, wet weather. Ask us about our Kennel Cough vaccination programme. If your pet has snotty nasal discharge they may require antibiotics.
Rodenticide Poisoning
Why It Happens: Increased use of rodent poison in homes during winter.
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, 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 festive lighting cords.
Symptoms: Burns, pain, or signs of electrical shock.
Prevention: Supervise pets around heaters, cover cords, and unplug unused lights.
Salt and Chemical Paw Irritation
Why It Happens: Road salt and de-icers irritate paw pads, and pets licking their paws ingest harmful toxins.
Symptoms: Red, irritated paws, excessive licking, drooling.
Prevention: Wipe paws after walks, use protective booties, and avoid heavily salted areas.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Why It Happens: Pets may eat contaminated snow, festive foods, or foreign objects like tinsel or cooked bones.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, 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 risks for small or short-haired breeds and outdoor cats.
Symptoms: Shivering, lethargy, 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: Limping, visible pain, wet or muddy fur from pond incidents.
Prevention: Keep pets leashed near ice, avoid risky areas, and monitor playtime.
Car Engine Incidents
Why It Happens: Cats seek warmth in car engines and can get injured when the car starts.
Symptoms: Injuries from engine components.
Prevention: Tap the hood or honk before starting your car to ensure no animals are hiding inside.
In summary...
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 on 020 8194 3335
Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter
Proactive care and vigilance are key to avoiding winter emergencies. If you have concerns or need advice, contact us. Together, we can ensure your pets have a safe, happy winter season!
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