Ensure pets stay warm

Jan 10 2008 by David Himelfield, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VETERINARY charity PDSA has issued tips for owners to protect their pets during cold snaps.

PDSA say despite their coats, furry animals are not immune to cold weather and can develop hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia can affect pets in minutes and failure to recognise the symptoms can lead to death.

Symptoms include:

Excess shivering, although this can disappear in pets who are severely hypothermic;

Confusion, disorientation and tiredness;

Slow heartbeat;

Slow breathing;

Cold paws and ears.

Tips include:

Don’t walk dogs in freezing cold and rain. Wait for the weather to improve.

If you must go out, afterwards dry your dog with a towel or warm hairdryer, held at a safe distance.

Never leave a pet in the car as the vehicle will become cold very quickly.

Walk dogs on a lead in icy conditions as the animal could slip and injure itself.

Exercise your pet indoors – such as indoor games – if the weather is bad.

Booties and a coat can keep your dog warm.

Ensure the clothing is thick enough to prevent water getting in.

Clip hairs between your dog’s toes as these can trap snow and lead to frostbite.

Always check your pet’s paws after a walk.

Clean and dry the pads on your pet’s paws.

Salt and grit used on roads can cuts an animal’s paws.

Small animals – such as rabbits and hamsters – are more susceptible to changes in temperature and should be brought into a well-ventilated area during cold spells.