Winter is a beautiful season, but it brings its own set of challenges for our pets. Just like us, our pets feel the cold, and they might need a little extra care over the winter months.
Here at Aldgate Vets, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy this winter.
Be seen in the dark
The days may be shorter, and the nights longer during winter, making evening walks a necessity for both dogs and their owners. Ensure the safety of both you and your pet during these dark strolls by investing in reflective collars, leashes, and even jackets to make your pet visible to drivers and pedestrians.
Stick to well-lit paths and areas that are safe, avoiding busy roads whenever possible.
Winter diet
As with many of us, your pet may gain some winter weight as they could get less exercise, so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight and size. Adjusting their diet accordingly can prevent them from piling on the pounds.
At our weight clinics, you can have your pet weighed by a registered veterinary nurse who will guide you in maintaining your pet’s fitness and overall health.
Pet-proofing
The Christmas season comes with joy, decorations and lots of yummy treats – all potential hazards for our pets.
We all know a cat who has toppled a tree, or a dog that has swallowed a bauble; where possible opt for pet-friendly ornaments and decorations. Another top tip is to keep those tasty holiday treats out of reach, especially those containing chocolate or xylitol, which can be toxic to pets. Raisins are also really toxic for dogs, so please keep treats like mince pics and fruit cakes well away from them to avoid any unplanned visits to us.
Ensure your pet has access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Dehydration can occur in winter just as easily as in summer.
Icy roads and paw care
Those crisp frosty mornings are all part of winter but they come with some dangers for our four-legged friends! Take extra care and remember to watch out for some common winter hazards.
Anti-freeze, and rock salt… it is all very helpful to us in the winter months, but very dangerous for our pets. Anti-freeze can be extremely dangerous to both dogs and cats; It smells and tastes sweet, so it may be irresistible but sadly it can damage their kidneys and even cause death.
The rock salt on icy roads and pavements can make your dog’s paws and nose sting when walking and snuffling along the ground. We always advise rinse your dog’s paws with warm water after winter walks, dry them well then soothe any cracks with a pet-friendly paw balm. Trimming the hair around your dog’s paw will also prevent ice balls from forming in snowy weather.
Vaccinations and general well-being
Winter can be harsh on your pet’s immune system, making it essential to keep their vaccinations up to date. Regular check-ups are key to catching and addressing health issues early. If you’re on our Pet Health Plan, you get an annual vet-administered vaccination with a full health check, plus a six-month health check by a veterinary nurse – essential for keeping your pets healthy in winter.
We understand that emergencies can happen at any hour. That’s why we offer an out-of-hours service on-site at our Bridlington small animal hospital, so you can see us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No matter when or where an issue arises, our dedicated team are ready to provide the care your pet needs.
By following these handy tips and knowing that emergency care is just a call away, you can make this winter a safe and enjoyable season for both you and your furry friends.
