Winter Hazards for Pets
Winter will be here soon which means frostier mornings, icy roads and cosy nights spent indoors. It also means a new set of seasonal hazards to be aware of. Are you and your pets prepared for winter?
Read on for our list of hazards and solutions to keep your pets safe this season.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is used in vehicles during cold weather to prevent freezing water from causing damage. Pets usually come in contact with antifreeze through spillages, leaks and the incorrect storage of antifreeze containers.
Antifreeze has a sweet scent that is particularly attractive to cats, dogs and even wild animals such as foxes. The slightest taste of antifreeze can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys and liver and can even be fatal. Unfortunately, antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common forms of poisoning in pets, especially during the winter months.
To keep your pets safe always clean up any antifreeze spills immediately, regularly check your vehicles for leaks and prevent your pet from drinking or walking in any puddles that you suspect may contain traces of antifreeze.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when the body is exposed to extreme cold temperatures and consequently begins to freeze. In pets the areas affected are usually the paws, ears, nose and tail.
Signs of frostbite are a change in skin colour, skin feeling cold to the touch, pain or even a complete lack of feeling in the affected area.
To keep your pet safe from frostbite limit outside access to a reasonable time, ensure that your pet is warm and dry when inside and consider purchasing pet 'shoes' that protect the paws from extreme cold. These are available online and in some good pet stores.
And don't forget your outdoor pets too! Rabbits, guinea pigs and birds such as chickens are just as susceptible to frostbite. Ensure your outdoor pets have warm, dry homes that are sheltered from the wind and cold temperatures, and consider adding a protective layer of Vaseline or similar to your chickens comb and wattles when the temperature really drops.
Rock salt and ice-melting products
Rock salt and other ice-melting products are commonly used in the winter months to clear pathways and melt dangerous ice. While effective they can be hazardous to pets. Ingesting even a small amount can cause damage to a cat or dog's stomach, and larger quantities can lead to seizures. The salt in these products also irritates sensitive foot pads which leads to an increase in licking (thus increasing the risk of ingestion too).
Even if you don't use rock salt yourself, your pet could still come in contact with it through outdoor walks, licking boots or shoes that have been outside and drinking water from potentionally contaminated sources.
As prevention is always better than a cure, always wash (or at least wipe) your pet's feet after being outdoors - yes, even your cats! And do your best to stop pets from drinking from puddles of melted snow.
Candles and open fires
Whilst there is nothing cosier than lighting an open fire or a scented candle on a cold winter evening, pets aren't always the smartest when it comes to fire safety.
Cats in particular are prone to spending hours curled up in front of the fire, but can easily become overheated and suffer from heatstroke even when they appear to be enjoying themselves!
Pets should never be left unaccompanied around a lit flame and it's crucial they are trained to keep a safe distance at all times. A fire gate is a good idea for young pets, and candles should ideally be stored out of reach at all times.
If your pet hasn't moved from their spot by the fire for a while, check them for signs of heatstroke - one of which is an inability to move!
Please don't let these hazards keep you and your pets from enjoying the pleasures of the season, and have a happy and healthy winter!