Winter hazards dog owners need to be aware of

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter, the urgency surrounding warnings about leaving dogs in hot cars fades away, and the once-prominent posts and infographics on this topic seem to dissipate. However, with the change in season, it becomes crucial for dog owners to shift their focus to the winter hazards that may not be as widely discussed. In a recent blog post of mine, I delved into the realm of substances that can be poisonous to our dogs, sharing insights across various platforms as usual. To my surprise, a comment that stood out resonated with the sentiment, “I didn’t know about half of those.”

This feedback sparked a reflective chord in me. It brought to light the fact that there is an array of potential dangers lurking for dogs that often escape our awareness. These hazards, hidden in the everyday fabric of our lives, may not be as prominently featured in common discussions or readily available information. Yet, they pose risks that, when brought to light, prompt a realisation of the gaps in our understanding of canine well-being.

As responsible dog owners, it is important for us to delve deeper into the lesser-known threats that our canine companions may encounter. By acknowledging that there are numerous perilous elements that might not be part of our collective knowledge, we empower ourselves to provide better protection and care for our beloved pets.

So, as we embrace the winter season, let’s not overlook the less-publicised dangers that could impact our dogs, fostering a community of informed and vigilant pet owners.

Letting your dog off-leash

When the darker nights and shorter days creep up on us after the summer and autumn time, it’s easy to forget some of the dangers we are faced with. To be safe you might have to consider keeping your dog on the lead more. Wandering further off means that in low light your pet might not always be able to see you well, more so our ageing pets.

As dogs get older, you might not have noticed that their senses are failing them, so to be out in the dark and unable to see one another, poses a risk you may not have realised about.

Anti-freeze

Antifreeze poisoning is a common winter hazard for many types of pets including dogs and cats. The main source of poisoning is when it drips from car radiators and hydraulic brake fluids. It is then licked off the ground by our unsuspecting pets and ingested causing illness. The toxin in antifreeze is called Ethylene Glycol. It does not take large quantities of this substance to be fatal. According to PetMD:

It takes less than three ounces (or 88 ml) of antifreeze to poison a medium-sized dog. Antifreeze poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys.

PetMD

Symptoms include:

• Drunken-like behaviour
• Euphoria/Delirium
• Wobbly, uncoordinated movement
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Excessive urination
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Depression
• Weakness
• Seizures/Convulsions/Shaking tremors
• Fainting
• Coma

Taken from PetMD (October 2019)

Road salt

Road salt, commonly known as rock salt, serves as a winter warrior against icy road conditions, combining sodium chloride with grit to ensure safer travel during colder months. While its effectiveness in preventing icy roads is undeniable, it poses a potential threat to our four-legged companions, particularly when it comes to their paw health.

Dogs inadvertently pick up road salt on their paws during winter walks, and the real concern arises when they later lick their paws. The sodium chloride in the salt mixture, when ingested, can lead to a range of health issues for our canine friends. To mitigate this risk, proactive measures can be taken.

To safeguard your dog from the harmful effects of road salt, it is advisable to rinse and thoroughly dry their paws after a walk on treated surfaces. This simple yet effective practice helps remove any lingering salt, preventing them from ingesting it during their grooming routine.

The repercussions of ingesting rock salt are not to be taken lightly. A dog’s consumption of this substance can result in an elevated blood sodium concentration, triggering many symptoms. Early signs may include increased thirst, vomiting, and lethargy. In more severe cases, ingestion of rock salt can lead to convulsions and kidney damage, posing a significant threat to your pet’s well-being.

In the event that you observe any concerning symptoms or suspect your dog has ingested rock salt, seeking veterinary advice is paramount. Timely intervention is crucial to addressing potential complications and ensuring the best possible outcome for your furry friend. Awareness and preventive measures play key roles in safeguarding your dog from the winter hazards associated with road salt, allowing you both to enjoy the season safely.

Firstaidforpets.net (October 2019)

Lack of exercise

It’s not unusual to find it harder to get out of bed in the morning and not want to go out at night in the cold, but the result of this is our pets don’t get out to go to the toilet, exercise and stimulate their minds. The knock-on effect of this is potentially devastating.

I know that on the rare occasion my dogs’ don’t get their last toilet walkabout 19:30, I will regret it the next day with presents often left downstairs for me.

If your dog is the type to really need its’ exercise (to be fair all dogs should go out twice a day) then you may see a change in their behaviour to your detriment. The knock-on effect is unfair to our dogs. You might get angry with them for ‘doing something wrong’, chewing something or generally having unspent energy that has to go somewhere.

Consider your dogs’ age

When the temperature drops, our older dogs start to suffer. Consider a trip to the vets to re-assess their care when the years catch up on them.

Dogs kennelled outdoors

I don’t know about this one, I know people do kennel their dogs outdoors, but come on, let’s at least give them some heat. Heat lamps are easy to buy and fit, blankets are easier! Hay and straw is also a consideration for dogs, but the possibility of mites is a risk.

Make sure the sleeping areas are draft-free and they have their natural coats that are well-groomed. Keep their minds stimulated and make sure they get nice long walks. Spend time with your dogs, they are pets, not items.

Hypothermia

The normal body temperature for a dog is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F. Hypothermia happens when the dogs’ body temperature falls below normal levels. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to cold temperatures when they can also develop frostbite.

Illness and disease can also cause an animal to not be able to regulate its’ body temperature properly leading to this condition. Newborn elderly and sick pets are at increased risk. Hypothyroidism is a related illness as this disease is affected by an impaired hypothalamus which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature.

Taken from the Pet Health Network (October 2019) , the following symptoms may occur:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Shivering
• Low heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Coma

Pest control

If you suspect your dogs has ingested rat or mouse poison, Vets Now recommends the following steps:

• remove the source immediately
• stay calm
• call your vet immediately
• if you can, take the container with you or even take a photo of the name and/or its’ ingredients

Vets Now say this:

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary tremendously depending on the type of poison they’ve come into contact with. These signs can range from vomiting to breathing difficulties to drooling. Swallowed poisons, for example, often cause sickness, diarrhoea, agitation and heart issues. If your dog has inhaled something toxic they may find it difficult to breathe or lose consciousness. Poisons that come into contact with your dog’s skin can cause irritation and pain.

https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-poisoning/ (October 2019)

Plants

Many plants are poisonous to our pets, please check what is in your garden or plan ahead when planting new plants and trees. The Kennel Club published this list on their website and recommends seeking veterinary help immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t

• Aconitum
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Day lilies
• Delphiniums
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Lupins
• Morning glory
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

www.thekennelclub.org.uk (October 2019)

Chocolate

While we delved into the critical issue of chocolate poisoning in a previous blog post, it’s essential to reiterate the universal emergency procedures that should be ingrained in every pet owner’s awareness. In the unfortunate event that your furry companion comes into contact with a potentially poisonous substance, maintaining composure is the first crucial step.

In any emergency situation, including cases of poisoning, staying calm is paramount. Panicking can cloud judgment and hinder the ability to take swift, effective action. Once a potential poisoning is suspected, the immediate course of action is to contact your veterinarian without delay. Your vet is a trusted source of guidance, equipped with the expertise to provide specific instructions based on the nature of the toxin and your pet’s individual circumstances.

Simultaneously, preparing for your veterinary consultation is instrumental in facilitating a prompt and accurate response. Taking a sample of the poisonous substance can aid in swift identification and appropriate treatment. This sample can take various forms, such as the original packaging, a photograph, or detailed notes containing information about the substance. This preparedness ensures that crucial details are readily available to your vet, expediting the decision-making process and enhancing the chances of a positive outcome for your pet.

By having tangible evidence or detailed information about the poisonous substance, you empower your veterinarian to make informed decisions regarding the necessary treatment protocol. This proactive approach is a key element in the chain of actions that can be the difference between a minor incident and a more serious health complication for your beloved pet.

In essence, the universal principles for responding to a potential poisoning event involve maintaining composure, promptly contacting your veterinarian, and providing essential information or samples for accurate identification and targeted intervention. These steps collectively form a robust framework for safeguarding your pet’s health in times of unforeseen emergencies.

Frozen water

Please just do not go anywhere near frozen waterways during the winter they are dangerous enough when they are not frozen over. It is a risk no normal person would take and certainly not for our pets either.

Frozen lakes, reservoirs, canals and rivers present grave danger to humans and pets. Ice presents very dangerous and real hazards. Do not throw sticks or ball on to the ice for dogs to fetch, that’s just plain stupid.

I have copied the following from Cheshire Fire and Rescue as it is a comprehensive piece of information.

Safety advice – what do do if you see someone fall through the ice

Never venture onto frozen ponds and lakes, no matter how safe it looks. If you see someone fall through the ice:

• Shout for assistance and send for the emergency services – call 999 or 112 – it’s a free call from any phone 
• Stay off the ice 
• Shout to the casualty to keep still 
• Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, a tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that extends your reach 
• When reaching for the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice 
• If you cannot reach them, slide something that floats like a rescue buoy across the ice for them to hold on to stay afloat 
• If the casualty is out of reach, wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring them

After the casualty has been rescued from the ice:

• Make sure the ambulance is on its way 
• Lay them flat, check their breathing and pulse and begin resuscitation if necessary 
• Prevent them from getting colder by putting them in a sleeping bag or covering them including their head, with blankets or spare clothing 
• Get them under shelter out of the cold 
• Until the casualty is in a warm place do not undress them 
• Do not rub their skin, apply hot water or give an alcoholic drink 
• Keep them wrapped up so that they warm up gradually

If you fall through the ice:

• Keep calm and call for help 
• If no help is available, spread your arms across the surface of the ice 
• If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice 
• Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank 
• If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore 
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible 
• Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together 
• Once you are safe, go to the hospital immediately for a check-up.

www.cheshirefire.gov.uk (October 2019)

Keeping your dogs’ coat well-groomed

Trim your dogs foot-fuzz and keep their coats nicely groomed. It doesn’t take much to take care of a dogs’ coat once you get into a routine of doing it every few days depending on your dogs’ coat type and length. Even short-coated dogs need weekly grooming to get rid of dead coat, especially at shedding time.

Look after their skin too. Prevent dry and cracked noses and paw pads by speaking to your vet about either treating them topically or by adding something to their diet.

Be seen in the dark

There are many products on the market these days ranging from reflective material, flashing and LED collars, leads and harnesses. We sell them on Little Beetles and you will find them on the net and Amazon in abundance. Be prepared and buy some kit to keep you safe in the winter.

Heaters, fireplaces, wood burners

The draw of the cosiness of winter fires and warmth, our pets love this too. But don’t you think this is a hazard that requires some risk assessment too? Heaters can be pushed over and cause fires, log burners and open fires are a massive risk, your pet should never be left unsupervised around these at all.

Scents

Not something that you would automatically consider. In fact up until last year I didn’t know that some scents are toxic to dogs.

Being aware of scents that are toxic to dogs is crucial to ensuring the safety of your furry companion. Here are some common scents and substances that can be harmful to dogs:

• Scented Candles: Candles with synthetic fragrances or additives can release harmful chemicals when burned, posing a risk to dogs if inhaled.
• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, including tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus, can be toxic to dogs when ingested or applied in concentrated forms.

• Potpourri: Potpourri often contains essential oils and other substances that can be toxic to dogs if ingested.

• Perfumes and Cologne: Some fragrances found in perfumes and colognes may contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs. Avoid applying these directly to your pet.

• Certain Plants: Plants such as lilies, tulips, and azaleas can produce scents that are toxic to dogs. Ingesting or even sniffing these plants can be harmful.

• Cleaning Products: Household cleaning products often contain strong scents and chemicals that can be harmful to dogs if they come into contact with them or inhale the fumes.

• Air Fresheners: Many commercial air fresheners contain chemicals and artificial scents that can be harmful to dogs, especially in enclosed spaces.

• Citrus Oils: Citrus oils, such as lemon and orange, can be irritating to a dog’s skin and may cause digestive issues if ingested in concentrated forms.

• Certain Herbs and Spices: Some herbs and spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, can be toxic to dogs in concentrated amounts.

• Medicinal Ointments Topical ointments and balms with strong scents, such as menthol or camphor, should be kept away from dogs as they may try to lick or ingest them.

It’s important to note that individual dogs may react differently to various scents, and the concentration of a substance plays a significant role in its potential toxicity. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a toxic scent or substance, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and treatment. Additionally, always store potentially harmful products out of reach and create a pet-friendly environment to minimize the risk of exposure.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Those of you that have carbon monoxide alarms in your home will know that this is an odourless gas, it is also colourless and non-irritating. PetMD goes on to describe it as being produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels. It is just as toxic to dogs as it is to humans.

When carbon monoxide is released it absorbs quickly into our bodies. It reduced the oxygen to the brain and the heart. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide will lead to hypoxemia and eventually death.

Symptoms include:

• Sleepiness
• Cherry red skin and mucous membranes (e.g., nostrils, lips, ears, genitals), but this side-effect is usually not visible in most animals
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Difficulty in breathing
• Seizures
• Abortion in pregnant animals especially those in late gestation period
• Depression
• Deafness
• Uncoordinated movements
• Coma
• Death
• Nausea
• Abnormally high levels of acids in blood (acidosis)
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Flu-like symptoms
• Loss of exercise stamina
• Disturbances in gait

PetMD says the likely causes of carbon monoxide poisoning might be:

• Incomplete combustion of carbon fuels
• Accidental enclosure of your dog in a garage with automobile engine turned on
• Poorly ventilated areas with any source of carbon monoxide (e.g., fireplace, oven, barbecue grill)
• Unventilated furnaces
• Gas water heaters
• Gas or kerosene heaters
• House fires

Feeding amounts

Consider that IF your dog is getting less exercise, please feed them a little less. We advise keeping the balance right by keeping to as normal a routine as possible and not having to reduce your dogs’ feed. Sometimes during the winter, your dog might need a little more food, that’s perfectly normal, especially if they live outside.

Ask your vet if you are unsure, although, in my personal experience, vets are rarely honest about how overweight a dog might be. I’ve seen dogs clearly overweight and the vet has said they are OK.

Ideally, you should see your dogs’ abdomen go in after the last rib but not to the extent that you can count every rib. Seeing your dogs’ ribs does not mean they are underweight. It is my personal opinion that is OK.

Arthritis

Speak to your vet if you see signs that your dog might not be the same. Symptoms include being stiff after getting up, walking or running slower, chewing or licking their joints or feet etc and looking around or even making a noise when you try to touch, say, for example, a leg.

There’s plenty you can do to help your pet. Yumove is good, but do not rule our prescription medication for your dog, your vet will advise on this.

Frostbite

Frostbite is damage to the skin when exposed to extremely low temperatures. VCA Hospitals say that when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, blood vessels to the skin start to narrow and constrict. The body does this to preserve the core temperature. In extreme cold, this stops the blood flow to extremities such as the ears, paws and tail, those areas furthest from the heart. When an extremity literally freezes, this causes permanent damage. Severely affected areas will become necrotic or die and can even fall off!

VCS Hospitals explains the clinical signs of frostbite;

• discoloration of the affected area of skin – this discolouration is often pale, grey or bluish.
• coldness and/or brittleness of the area when touched.
• pain when you touch the body part(s).
• swelling of the affected area(s).
• blisters or skin ulcers.
• areas of blackened or dead skin.

During a thaw, these areas can be very painful and inflamed. You might think this is unlikely to happen in the UK, but imagine if your pet was outside during extreme temperatures, lives outdoors or is lost. It is a very real scenario when the temperatures drop, so please look after your pet.

Keep away from puddles

In the wintertime, puddles may contain unseen poisons that are harmful to our pets. They may contain ethylene glycol found in antifreeze which can be fatal if ingested, rock salt and just general disgustingness as well as animal urine such as rats!

Fencing

The UK does not just have storms in the winter, but when our gardens are dark, it might be difficult to see or be overlooked that your fencing is broken. Always check before letting your dog out and make sure your perimeter is safe for them.

Prepare an emergency pet survival kit

1. Write your next of kin or friends details somewhere it can be found in an emergency.
2. Dry food bagged into portions, enough for a couple of (or however many) days.
3. A water container (empty) ready to be filled with fresh water.
4. A folding food and water bowl
5. Thermal blankets
6. A spare lead, collar and harness
7. Paw protectors
8. Flashlight and spare batteries
9. Poop bags
10. Chew sticks to keep them occupied
11. Photocopied vet records (vaccination records)
12. Prescriptions or details of important meds or repeat meds
13. Recent photographs of your dog
14. Microchip information
15. Manual can opener
16. Collar ID tag
17. A crate if practical (soft crates are ideal)
18. First aid kit
19. Cleaning supplies like paper towels, plastic bags and a spray bottle of disinfectant
20. Vets contact details
21. Friends contact details