Winter Hazards: What UK Pet Owners Should Watch For

Winter in the UK can be a beautiful season, bringing crisp air, frosty mornings, and festive celebrations. However, it also introduces several risks to our pets. From cold weather concerns and toxic substances to holiday hazards and reduced daylight, it’s vital for pet owners to stay alert and proactive. This guide covers the key wintertime dangers to help you keep your pets safe, healthy and comfortable.

Cold Weather and Hypothermia

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be dangerous, especially for young, elderly, small, or short-coated pets. Hypothermia occurs when a pet’s body temperature drops too low, and frostbite can affect ears, tails, and paws.

Signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering and trembling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Cold ears and paws
• Pale gums or skin
• Slowed breathing or collapse

What to do: Keep outdoor time limited, especially in freezing temperatures. Provide warm bedding away from draughts and consider using pet-safe heat pads. For dogs, use a well-fitting coat or jumper for walks in cold or wet weather.

Salt and Grit on Roads

Gritted roads and pavements help prevent slips but can irritate pets’ paws. Some de-icing salts are toxic if licked off feet or fur.

What to do: Wipe your pet’s paws, legs and belly after walks. Use pet-safe booties or balm if needed. Prevent pets from licking their feet until they’re clean and dry.

Antifreeze and Chemical Poisoning

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic, particularly to cats. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but even small amounts can be fatal.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning include:

• Vomiting and drooling
• Unsteadiness or disorientation
• Seizures or collapse
• Kidney failure and death

What to do: Store antifreeze securely and clean up any spills immediately. Choose pet-safe antifreeze where possible. Contact your vet urgently if you suspect ingestion.

Frozen Water Hazards

Lakes, ponds and garden water features may freeze over in winter, posing serious risks for pets.

What to do: Keep dogs on leads near frozen water. Prevent cats and small animals from accessing icy surfaces. If a pet falls through ice, call emergency services—do not attempt to rescue them yourself unless absolutely safe.

Fireplaces and Heaters

As we heat our homes, open fires, log burners, and portable heaters become common. These can burn curious pets or spark a fire if knocked over.

What to do: Use secure fireguards and supervise pets around open flames. Never leave space heaters unattended in rooms with pets.

Shorter Days and Low Visibility

Darker mornings and evenings increase the risk of accidents, particularly for walking dogs or free-roaming cats.

What to do: Use reflective collars, harnesses, and leads. Consider attaching an LED light to your pet’s collar. For cats, a reflective quick-release collar improves visibility at night.

Festive Foods and Decorations

Winter holidays often involve foods and decorations that are dangerous to pets.

Foods to avoid:

• Chocolate (toxic to dogs and cats)
• Christmas pudding and mince pies (contain raisins, which are toxic)
• Cooked bones (can splinter and cause internal damage)
• Turkey skin and gravy (can cause pancreatitis)

Other hazards:

• Tinsel, ribbon and baubles (can be swallowed, causing blockages)
• Electrical cables and fairy lights (risk of burns or electric shock)
• Candles and potpourri (toxic or dangerous if chewed)

What to do: Keep human food well out of reach and dispose of leftovers securely. Supervise pets around trees and decorations. Ensure cables and wires are safely tucked away.

Seasonal Plants

Some winter plants commonly found in homes are toxic to pets.

Examples include:

• Holly and mistletoe: Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart problems
• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic, causing stomach upset
• Ivy: Irritating to the mouth and digestive tract

What to do: Avoid keeping these plants indoors if you have curious pets. Use artificial alternatives where possible, or place them well out of reach.

Indoor Heating and Dry Air

While central heating keeps us warm, it can also dry out the air in our homes, leading to dry skin and respiratory irritation in pets.

What to do: Brush pets regularly to reduce shedding and static. Provide fresh drinking water and consider using a humidifier to keep moisture in the air.

Final Thoughts

Winter presents a unique set of hazards for pets, but with some simple precautions, you can keep your companions safe and comfortable throughout the season. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour, limit exposure to extreme conditions, and consult your vet if you have any concerns.

With the right care, your pets can enjoy the winter months just as much as any other time of year.