Keep warm on winter walkies
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.
QMy female neutered crossbreed dog is 11 years old. Is cold weather likely to cause her problems while out walking and are there signs to look for?
AIf 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.
AWithout question I would adopt from a rescue centre. The staff will be able to advise on suitability and temperament. Most rescue cats quickly adapt to a new home and behave well.
Many pedigree cats also have delightful temperaments and are recognisable for their calm, sweet disposition. However, I would be cautious when thinking about flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, and speak to a vet first.
Brachycephalic cats potentially suffer from medical problems, due to a short muzzle, flat face and bulging eyes.
Eye problems include a corneal disease called keratitis.
There may also be a kinking of the duct that transports tears from the eye to the mouth. This results in overflow of tears, leading to dermatitis of the skin on either side of the nose.
An inability to breathe properly is another major problem that may present itself.
A variety of possible factors can contribute. Often the nostrils and nasal passages are too narrow, and the soft palate is too long.
Complicated (and expensive) surgery may improve the pet’s ability to breathe.
For a family cat I would advise a domestic short hair assessed as family friendly by rescue centre staff. Make sure it is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.