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Keep warm on winter walkies

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date22 January 2022
Publication titleJournal, The
A

If the temperature falls below 0°C, it is a good idea to be aware of the signs of hypothermia and take precautions. If your dog is healthy and has a thick coat, problems are unlikely, and many enjoy frolicking in the snow. But small dogs, puppies, dogs with sparse coats and those with underlying diseases are all at risk of hypothermia.

Dogs with hypothyroidism, for example, often feel the cold and don't tolerate chilly weather very well.

Sensible precautions include a coat for walks, and in snowy weather, boots are useful too.

As a general rule if it feels too cold to you, in spite of being well wrapped up, it is too cold for dogs for anything but short walks. A wet coat, windy weather and snow and sleet will greatly increase the risk.

A dog showing signs of hypothermia will shiver, possibly whine, and will have pale gums as well as cold feet, ears and tail. Longer exposure to cold conditions, including being left alone in a car, can make things much worse.

Other possible signs include muscle stiffness, shallow breathing, a slow, irregular heartbeat, unresponsiveness to calls, and ultimately risk of multiple organ damage and death.

Any dog that is shivering should be brought inside, wrapped in warm blankets, and offered warmed-up food. If improvement is not rapid, I recommend calling the vet for advice.

Q

Can you advise us on a suitable cat for our family? We are torn between adopting a rescue cat and buying a pedigree cat. We have heard that some pedigrees have health problems and that adopted cats may find it hard to adapt to a new home.

A

Without question I...

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