Antifreeze
Antifreeze contains an odourless and sweet tasting chemical called ethylene glycol, which is toxic to pets. All pets are at risk but cats especially seem to be attracted to the taste. Ethylene glycol is used in a variety of common automotive products including windscreen wiper fluid, radiator coolant, brake fluid and de-icing agents, so it’s very likely you have some in your garage or car boot. Ingestion of only a very small dose can lead to kidney failure and even death so it is vital owners call their vet practice as soon as they suspect their pet may have had access to any product containing ethylene glycol. Antifreeze products should be kept securely sealed and placed out of reach of pets. Any spillages should be cleaned up quickly and be sure to wash your pet’s paws with pet safe soap and water if they may have walked through any.
Rock salt
Rock salt is a mix of salt and grit which is spread on roads and pavements during the winter months to help keep them free of ice. Ingestion of rock salt can cause vomiting, lethargy and, in severe cases, lead to kidney damage. The most common method of ingestion occurs when cats or dogs lick it from their paws, so make sure to wash their feet with pet safe soap and water after they have been outside in winter.
Snow
If we do get some snow this year your dog will no doubt love having a run around in it! Longer haired, fluffier dogs can develop a problem with icy snow ball build-up. This happens when snow sticks to your dog’s fur, melts a little and grows into bigger and bigger clumps. These clumps can be painful as they pull on your dog’s coat and can cause damage if they form between the toes. You can help prevent snowballs from forming by keeping your dog’s fur trimmed around their legs and feet and clipping their nails back, speak to a groomer if you are not confident doing this yourself. Keep their snow time limited to short periods and check on them regularly. If you do notice any ice balls forming, don’t try to pull them off as this can be painful, instead wash them off with some warm water until the ice balls melt and dry them off before they venture outside again.
Whilst cats are less likely to enjoy a frolic in the snow, they may wish to venture outside. If you do have an outdoor adventure kitty, try to limit their time outside during very bad weather and check them over for ice balls when they come home. Cats may not appreciate a warm bath but holding a warm cloth over the ice will melt it without pulling at their skin, this is also a good chance to wipe off any rock salt they might have walked through.
Keeping small animals warm
Let’s not forget those smaller animals during winter! Hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits will appreciate some extra bedding to burrow and keep warm in. If your pets are housed outdoors, consider moving them to an unused shed or garage during the winter months or providing extra insulation to hutches with tarpaulins and blankets. Check on water bottles regularly as these can freeze in winter, consider a insulated bottle jacket to prevent any ice forming.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you have any concerns about your pet.
