Cold snap pet care: what a winter storm warning means for dogs and cats

When winter storm warnings and cold snaps reach the UK news, most people think about their own heating, their car and the journey to work. Pets are affected too. Dogs and cats that spend time outside, rabbits and guinea pigs in hutches, and older or thin animals of any kind can struggle when temperatures drop sharply and the weather turns wet.

This guide covers the practical steps that help pets through a cold spell: shelter, water, walks, the hazards that appear with frost and snow, and the warning signs that mean you should call a vet. The advice is general, so if your pet has a health condition, ask your vet what applies to them.

Why cold snaps matter for pets

Animals handle cold differently depending on their coat, size, age and body condition. A thick-coated dog may cope well with a brisk walk in the snow, but a short-haired or small breed can feel the cold much faster. Very young, very old and underweight animals have less reserve, and wet fur loses warmth quickly.

Outdoor animals need the most attention. An outdoor cat, a rabbit in a hutch or a guinea pig in a garden shed depends on you for shelter, dry bedding and fresh food and water. Indoor pets also need care, because heating can be cut off during a storm or a power cut.

Keeping outdoor and small pets warm

Good shelter is the single most useful step.

• Raise and wrap the hutch. Lift hutches off cold, damp ground, and cover part of the run with a waterproof sheet so the animals can choose sheltered space. Leave some ventilation, because a closed hutch can trap damp air.
• Use plenty of dry bedding. Straw and good quality hay are better than wet or thin bedding. Check it every day and replace anything damp.
• Keep draughts out. Block gaps in sheds and garden houses, but keep ventilation so the air does not turn stale.
• Be careful with heat sources. Use heated pads or hot water bottles only if they are designed for pets, wrapped in a towel, and placed so the animal can move away from them. Never leave heaters where a pet can chew cables or knock them over.
• Bring cats indoors if you can. A cat with access to a warm, dry shelter or a garage with a cat flap is far better off than one left out in freezing rain.

Water, food and the hazards of frost

Water freezes quickly in a cold snap. Check outdoor water bowls several times a day, break any ice, and use a heated bowl if you have one and it is safe to plug in. Give extra food in cold weather if your vet advises it, especially to animals that are outdoors all the time.

Frost also brings hazards that are easy to miss.

• Antifreeze is highly toxic. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, and even a small amount can cause serious harm. Store it securely, and clean up any spills straight away. If you think a pet has licked antifreeze, contact a vet immediately, even if the animal seems well.
• De-icers can irritate paws. Many road salts and de-icers can cause sore pads and be harmful if licked. Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after walks on treated paths, and keep bowls and bedding away from salt piles.
• Ice can be dangerous. Keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes. Ice can break without warning, and a rescue attempt can put people in danger too.

Walks in snow and ice

Keep walks shorter and more frequent in snow and ice. Choose gritted or cleared paths where you can, and check the dog’s paws for ice balls between the toes. Dry the paws and coat when you come back in, and check for cracks or cuts.

Watch your dog for signs that it is getting cold, such as shivering that does not stop, slowing down, or lifting paws off the ground. Take the dog home if you see these signs.

Warning signs that need a vet

Call a vet promptly if your pet shows any of these signs:

• Shivering that does not stop, or muscle tremors
• Weakness, unusual sleepiness, or reluctance to move
• Pale or blue-tinged gums, or breathing that seems fast or laboured
• Refusing food, or a rabbit or guinea pig that stops eating
• Any sign of antifreeze exposure, such as vomiting, staggering or unusual thirst

If your vet practice is closed, use the out-of-hours number on your vet’s website or answerphone. Do not wait to see if the signs improve.

Preparing before the storm

A little planning helps when conditions turn.

• Stock up on medication. Make sure you have enough of any regular prescription in case roads are closed or the pharmacy is hard to reach.
• Check your pet’s microchip details. Make sure the contact information is up to date, in case an animal gets out during a storm.
• Keep a carrier ready. Store it somewhere you can reach quickly, with a blanket and any routine food.
• Plan for a power cut. Know where your torch is, and keep a supply of pet food and water that does not need a fridge or cooking.

Key points

• Winter storms and cold snaps are a risk to outdoor, small and vulnerable pets.
• Raise hutches, keep bedding dry and give outdoor pets sheltered space.
• Check water often, and watch for antifreeze, de-icers and thin ice.
• Keep walks short and dry paws and coats afterwards.
• Call a vet straight away if an animal shows shivering, weakness, breathing trouble or any sign of antifreeze exposure.
• Plan ahead with medication, microchip details and a ready carrier.

If you are worried about your pet in cold weather, or you want advice on keeping a particular animal safe, get in touch with New Hall Pet Care. You can also read our guide to when your pet is unwell for more on the signs to watch for.