EXTREME cold weather can cause problems for pets as well as their owners so Stroud District Council’s animal welfare officers have published some advice to help pet owners keep their animals safe this winter.

Aside from encouraging pet owners to keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan ahead to keep pets safe and comfortable the officers have provided the following top tips for pet owners during the winter season:

Cold

  • Pets shouldn’t be left outside or walked for excessive periods of time. Dog owners should plan walks so that extreme weather can be avoided - two or three shorter walks may be a better option than one long walk.

Ice and feet

  • When walking your dog near ice or frozen water, keep your dog close to you and on the lead. This ensures your dog can’t run across the ice, avoids paws getting accidentally cut on ice and helps prevent falls which may lead to injury Always wash your dog’s paws after a winter walk to remove any salt.

Coats

  • Just because your pets have fur coats, it doesn’t mean they won’t feel the cold. Small dogs or dogs with sparse hair should have sweaters or jackets for protection against the cold. If your dogs don’t like wearing clothing, then better to keep them in and provide them with mental and physical stimulation through play instead. 

Water & food

  • Ensure that food and water is provided at room temperature inside the home to prevent it from freezing. Avoid letting your dog drink water from bowls outside as the freezing temperatures could cause stomach upsets. Pets, especially dogs, become easily dehydrated in winter, so make sure they have easy access to fresh water.

Eating snow/ground matter

  • Avoid letting your pet eat snow or anything else on the ground. Dangerous objects or chemicals may be hidden in the snow. Eating snow can also cause stomach upsets and even hypothermia.

Antifreeze

  • This is highly toxic. It can get into puddles on the pavement and roads and taste sweet to dogs. However, even the smallest amount can be deadly. Supervise your dog while outside and if you suspect it has had any exposure to antifreeze, call your vet immediately.

Shelter/bedding

  • Always ensure your pet has adequate shelter where it will be warm and dry. A bed shouldn’t be in a draughty area and bedding should be kept dry. Provide extra blankets when temperatures dip below freezing.

Grooming

  • Snow can get easily caught up in the fur of your pet. Regular grooming will help avoid matter being caught in the coat and a well groomed coat will also provide better insulation.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other rodents

  • Little furries don’t like the cold, so if possible bring your pets indoors during the coldest periods. Alternatively, move your pets into your garden shed (ideally with some form of heating) or in a garage to avoid harsh temperatures. Ensure hutches are away from any draughts and are well insulated with hay and protective coverings. Check water bottles and food are not frozen.

The SDC animal welfare team offer advice and practical help to pet owners, as well as enforcing all animal welfare legislation. For more information visit: stroud.gov.uk/environment/environmental-health/animal-welfare