Protecting Pets from Winter Chills

So far this year the weather has been mild. Many problems associated with the warm weather such as severe flea infestations are still being seen in the clinics, however, winter is associated with new hazards for pets and wildlife.

Small Furries

Sadly many guinea pigs and rabbits are left outside over the winter in poor housing with little protection from the elements. This results in increased susceptibility to disease, weight loss and frequently death. Pay attention to the following basic guidelines to make a real difference to their quality of life during the winter months:

• Housing: Place hutches in a sheltered area ideally in a garage or shed but if they have to be outside site them in a sheltered area and ensure they are weatherproof and insulated. Remember car fumes in an enclosed garage are fatal!
• Insulation: Plentiful fresh bedding into which the animals can burrow, remember this needs changing regularly to stop the build up of ammonia.
• Food and Water: Extra food will be needed in the cold weather as animals burn more calories to keep warm. Remember to defrost drinking bottles.
• Predators: Badgers and foxes may also find the winter tough and may be bolder at this time of year.

Dogs

Most dogs live indoors but if your dog does venture into the cold there are a few pointers to bear in mind. Some breeds of dogs with little body fat such as greyhounds or very elderly and arthritic dogs will feel the cold and a coat would be a sensible investment this winter. Always take care around frozen ponds, this is a common problem for the emergency services as owners get stuck trying to rescue their dogs. Also, remember that unguarded heaters and fires may cause pets to unwittingly burn themselves as they try to keep warm.

Cats

Cats are generally sensible enough to avoid the cold weather. A common hazard encountered with often fatal consequences is cats injured whilst sheltering next to warm car engines. Sometimes the worst that happens is the cat just goes for a drive but many vets have seen horrific injuries caused by this type of accident which are commonly fatal. Giving your car bonnet a tap before starting the engine is a useful preventative tip!

Antifreeze: The Winter Poison

Antifreeze used in car engine radiators contains ethylene glycol and is often sweet tasting and palatable to cats and dogs. Cats can be poisoned just by walking through a puddle of antifreeze on a garage floor and grooming their paws afterwards! The poison is absorbed rapidly, causes neurological signs and vomiting often within an hour, if they survive this stage then renal failure ensues. Most animals die even with treatment. Spilt antifreeze should be cleared up and because of its palatability any antifreeze containers should be well secured and out of reach.