During cold weather, it’s important to reduce walking times when it’s very cold and keep pets active indoors. Ensure you are not walking your dogs at the coldest time and put a coat on them for winter walks as this will avoid a sharp drop in body temperature. Avoid walking your dogs on ice and always dry your pet’s paws after walking in wet conditions.

If you notice signs of hypothermia in your cat or dog talk to your vet immediately. These signs can include:

• Shivering
• Lethargy
• Stiff muscles
• Pale or grey gums
• Stumbling or lack of coordination
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Low heart and breathing rates
• Collapse
• Or even coma

Antifreeze is great for our cars but is fatal for our pets. Even the smallest amounts can cause severe damage to an animal’s internal organs. Pets can be tempted to drink it because of the sweetness. Make sure you buy antifreeze that contains a bittering agent to discourage your pet from drinking it.

Symptoms of antifreeze ingestions can include:

• Twitching muscles/eyes
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Drinking more than usual
• Unsteadiness
• Seizures
• Fast breathing
• Collapse

If you think or know your pet has drunk antifreeze, contact your vet immediately. Ensure you store antifreeze out of reach from your pets and always clean up any spillages.

Don’t forget to read all 10 top tips from our specialists!

For more tips about keeping your pet safe over the festive period read our other blogs!