Keep your pet safe from the winter chill

IT’S THAT frozen fingers and numb toes time of the year and our four-legged friends will be looking to us to help keep them toasty. Vet charity PDSA has put together five winter weather myths to help you separate fact from the fiction when it comes to creature comforts! MYTH: Pets don’t feel the cold

Most pets are susceptible to temperature change and need a helping hand once things get frosty. Try to take your dog on shorter walks more often, in daylight if possible and with a coat if needed. Don’t force them to go outside if they don’t want to and never leave a pet in the car, caravan or an unheated conservatory as the temperature can drop rapidly. If your pets are outside they should have access to warmth and shelter and shouldn’t lie on the frozen ground for prolonged periods as this can lead to frostbite. MYTH: There are no signs your pet is cold

“As with humans, the first sign that a pet is cold is shivering,” says PDSA Senior Vet, Elaine Pendlebury. “If you spot shivering bring your pet into the warmth straight away. However, shivering will stop if their temperature falls dangerously low”. In this case your pet may appear confused and subdued, with cold ears and feet. The first sign of frostbite is white and itchy skin; in severe cases, the skin may turn black. If you think your pet may be suffering from hypothermia call your vet immediately for further advice MYTH: The pads on my pet’s paws protect their feet sufficiently

Our pets’ paws take a lot of daily punishment. Iceballs can also form in the hair between your dog’s toes causing sore paws, so keeping it trimmed will prevent this. Doggy boots can protect sensitive feet. MYTH: Putting a coat on an animal will cause it to overheat

Dogs with finer coats or low body fat, like whippets and greyhounds, feel the cold more. A layered, waterproof coat will help avoid your dog getting wet and keep it cosy. If they do get wet give them a rub-down with a towel or using a hairdryer on a low setting.