As winter approaches, the daylight hours reduce, and we all start to prepare for the Christmas holidays. It is the perfect time for us to summarise the key information for pet owners! 

Here are our top winter care tips to help your pets stay happy and healthy through the colder months.

Parasite protection

It is still widely believed that parasites (such as fleas) die off during the winter months. This is false! Often, this is when pet owners let their guard down and infestations occur – not just on their pet but in their home, too. We tailor all our parasite protection, risk assessing pets in line with their lifestyle, in turn, reducing any potential impact on the environment. Remember, flea eggs, in particular, can lie dormant for a long time. They survive in carpets or beneath floorboards before being activated by central heating. The same parasite affecting your pet today may be different to tomorrow, as flea eggs can be laid within 24 hours. The most cost-effective way to care for your pet and provide their complete parasite protection is through our Pet Health Plan. 

Outdoor hazards

Cold weather brings new challenges for dogs, particularly on their daily walks.

• Road salt and grit can irritate paws. Always wipe your dog’s feet with a damp cloth after walks to prevent sore pads or give them a little paw wash. It will also reduce the risk of your pet licking (cleaning) their paws and ingesting harmful chemicals.
  
• Frozen ponds and lakes are an obvious danger, but are often overlooked. Not only can the ice break under your pet’s weight, causing shock and worst case, drowning, but should pets get wet and not dry off properly, in very cold weather, they are at risk of hypothermia.
  
• Dark evenings mean lower visibility. Using reflective leads, collars, or LED lights on collars will help you to stay safe near roads. There is a wide variety of cost-effective gadgets on the market! Stay seen, stay safe. 

…not to forget the felines!

• Fewer daylight hours mean our felines are often exploring in the dark. Sadly, the number of cats involved in road traffic collisions increases substantially at this time of year, when they become dazzled by headlamps. You may like to try adjusting their feeding times to encourage them home earlier. 
• Cats also seek warmth and shelter in unusual places. You may be surprised to hear that cats hide under wheel arches, within engines (under bonnets) and also wander into open sheds and garages during bad weather, meaning we often do not know they are there. They are at higher risk of becoming trapped or injured. 

Dietary changes

If your pet is less active during winter, you may need to slightly reduce their food intake to prevent weight gain, which could negatively affect their health. On the other hand, some pets may require a little extra support, especially if they are senior, have certain pre-existing health conditions or are working animals. Chat with our team if you would like any advice, especially for pets with joint or mobility issues. 

Arthritic pets

Cold, damp weather can worsen joint and mobility issues, especially for arthritic pets. You may like to:

• Provide soft, supportive bedding in a warm spot, away from drafts.
• Use ramps or non-slip mats to help older pets get around.
• Keep them warm whilst outside, by providing a coat
• Break their exercise down into shorter, more frequent forms of movement, e.g. rather than one long walk, 2 or 3 shorter walks
• Provide other forms of stimulation and enrichment, such as puzzle games, to keep their minds active, if movement in the cold is too difficult
• Speak to our team, who will be happy to provide advice on medications, supplements, and other treatment options to help support your pet through the colder weather

Winter poisons

There are a number of seasonal foods, plants and products which become commonplace at this time of year. Great for us, but not for our pets. Here are the most common festive items to be aware of:

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly poisonous, even in tiny amounts. Keep it locked away and clean up spills immediately. Pets can ingest this by simply walking through it and later cleaning their paws. Cats, in particular, are often drawn to the sweet smell and can access it more easily if it’s placed on a high shelf! 
• Chocolate, raisins, onions, and alcohol are all dangerous for pets — keep Christmas treats well out of reach.
• Lilies, holly, and mistletoe can cause serious illness in cats and dogs if eaten.
  

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us or your vet immediately — don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If your concern is not during normal opening hours, remember, all Newton Clarke Veterinary Clients have complimentary access to VidiVet. VidiVet provides expert out-of-hours video advice, ensuring you receive FREE, prompt, personalised service from a qualified vet when our practice is closed. Find out more here!

Outdoor pets need extra support! 

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals living outside need additional protection in winter. Here are some helpful guidelines:

• In poor weather, move hutches into a shed, garage (without cars), or sheltered area, ensuring they also have ventilation
• Add extra hay and straw for insulation.
• Ensure their hutch is damp-proof, with a waterproof roof, and that there is an enclosed area away from rain and wind
• If you cannot move their home inside, use covers to block wind and rain, but allow ventilation to prevent dampness.
• Check water bottles frequently — they can freeze quickly!
• Don’t forget they still need to exercise, so where possible, ensure they can still have access to green space outside. 

Finally, seasonal celebrations

We all love a celebration, but at this time of year, some pets can find it a little overwhelming. Fireworks, large groups of unusual people in their home, changes to routine – they can all worry our furry friends. Here are some top tips to support them through the season celebrations:

• Fireworks: Ensure pets are safe at home with their microchipping details up to date. This will give you the best chance of being reunited should they find themselves frightened and caught off guard. Once pets are home, close curtains, play calming music, and create a safe space filled with their favourite blankets and toys for positive distraction. For pets who do not cope well with fireworks, chat with our team ahead of time for more personalised advice. 
• Celebrations: A lot of fun, but some pets may find visitors to their home a little unsettling. Ensure they have a safe space to hide away from being bothered, and ensure that young children are aware of when they can approach your pet. You may also like to try to maintain some form of routine for your pets, such as similar feeding and walking times for consistency. 

Above all, enjoy the cosy season with your furry friends! Should you need any advice, our team are always on hand to help.