04/01/2026
Keep yourself and your beloved pets safe in the cold 💚
Dogs paws can get burnt from salt grit and ice
Hypothermia can set in rapidly, especially if your dog likes to play in partially frozen puddles and streams
Antifreeze is toxic
See the shared post for extra tips and information 💚🐾❄️
A serious alert has been issued to dog owners throughout the UK as harsh winter conditions take hold, delivering snow and ice across numerous regions.
The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, running from Saturday, January 3, through to Tuesday, January 6.
Throughout Wales and western England, snowfall of 1-3cm may accumulate in widespread areas by Monday morning, with some spots potentially seeing 5-8cm of accumulation. Across north-east England, ice is forecast to impact untreated surfaces from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. This follows Saturday's snow showers, with ice developing where snow has partially melted and refrozen. More bad weather forecast across Scotland, too.
Offering guidance, a spokesperson explains: "Snow and ice has the potential to cause disruption to travel in places. Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths."
With the arrival of colder conditions, dog owners are being cautioned that routine walks may present concealed dangers to their animals. From frostbitten paws to antifreeze poisoning, Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, has emphasised the threat of severe health issues dogs encounter as temperatures plummet across the UK, reports the Mirror.
Many owners assume that because dogs have fur, they're naturally protected from the cold, but that's not true," Ross clarified. "Just like us, dogs can suffer from hypothermia and even chemical burns from winter road salt and grit.
1. Hypothermia risks
The primary cause of hypothermia in dogs is prolonged exposure to cold, particularly in wet or windy conditions. The risk is heightened by water and wind as they speed up heat loss, rendering a dog's fur less insulating.
Spending too much time in cold water can also induce hypothermia by rapidly decreasing a dog's body temperature. It's advisable to keep dogs on a lead around any frozen bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes, to prevent this.
"A dog's fur can only protect them from so much cold weather, and they can get hypothermia if they become too cold and can't warm up," Ross elaborates. "Watch out for shivering, paleness, low energy, and bad coordination and seek urgent veterinary advice if you think your dog is suffering."
Ross further advises pet owners to avoid walking their pets during the coldest parts of the day. He suggests: "If you can, avoid going out at the coldest times of the day and try head out towards midday, when temperatures are likely to have risen slightly."
While some dogs have thick fur to protect them, small, short-haired and older dogs lose heat quickly and require extra care and attention in colder temperatures.
"Keeping your dog well exercised is just as necessary in the winter months as it is in summer," Ross advises. "For breeds less suited to cold weather, such as whippets, greyhounds, and Yorkshire terriers, consider a weatherproof, fleece-lined coat to keep them warm. Limit their time outdoors in the cold to prevent discomfort and health risks.
2. Chemical burns
Ross also wants to alert owners to additional hazards that accompany walks during this season. A wintry stroll can wreak havoc on your dog's paws, making it crucial to regularly inspect and dry them after outdoor activities.
Salt, grit, and ice-melt chemicals can irritate paw pads, leading to painful cracks. In some instances, salt may even cause burns on the pads and become toxic if licked off during grooming.
For long-haired dogs, trimming the fur around their feet helps prevent ice balls from forming between the toes. "Wipe your dog's paws with warm water after every walk, and consider getting a set of dog booties for when the cold really sets in," Ross recommends.
3. Antifreeze poisoning
Antifreeze and de-icers are commonly used during frosty weather to ensure cars function properly and to melt snow on driveways and footpaths. However, these substances pose a serious threat to pets, who can ingest them simply by licking the ground or their paws after a walk.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a compound that is extremely harmful to animals. Even minimal quantities can lead to poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in extreme cases, coma.
To prevent antifreeze poisoning, store antifreeze containers out of your pets' reach," advised Ross. "Clean up any antifreeze spills promptly and protect your pet's paws by using dog booties and wiping their paws after being outside.
See : https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/urgent-warnings-dog-owners-next-33160933?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAPGAlBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe-VrpCn6WIbscyD3SQJV8MSiPYT_9fR8GL8LzetSq6JoySm6YMtPf3kNHEZs_aem_Y5JG53_w_f-aVLsUwW2GmA
