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During the winter, vet clinics often see pets come in with seasonal illnesses. The lower temperatures and inclement weather can cause some common issues for dogs and cats. Here are four conditions your furry friends may encounter.

What Are Some Common Winter Issues?

1. Frostbite

Don’t assume your pets will be ok outside during cold temperatures just because they have fur. Cats and dogs can get frostbite, a form of tissue damage that occurs on the extremities in low temperatures.

First-degree frostbite causes red, swollen, and hard skin, while second-degree may cause blistering. Third-degree frostbite is severe and may darken the skin or cause a serious infection called gangrene.

Limit outside time for pets when the temperature is below freezing to avoid this painful condition. Consider outfitting your furry friends with jackets and boots to protect their skin further.

2. Salty Paws

vet clinic Columbia MOMany pets walk in urban areas where their feet encounter sidewalk salt. These sodium or calcium chloride crystals speed up ice melting but can damage sensitive paws. Your dog or cat may lick their paws and ingest these mixtures, causing drooling and repetitive swallowing.

Ingesting these types of salt can even kill a pet if they eat several ounces. Prevent salt poisoning by making your cat or dog wear booties or socks or by wiping off their feet every time they come in from outside. 

3. Hypothermia

Many animals who get frostbite also have hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature becomes dangerously low because of exposure to winter temperatures. Dogs or cats that have wet fur should stay inside until they are dry, as moisture can increase the likelihood of hypothermia.

Shivering, unexplained exhaustion, and listlessness after being outside could indicate that your pet is hypothermic. Use a rectal thermometer to take their temperature and head straight to a vet clinic if the device reads below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Antifreeze Poisoning

During the colder months, vehicles use antifreeze to protect their engines from fluctuating temperatures. This yellow or green liquid is made from propylene or ethylene glycol. Cats or dogs might lick antifreeze off the driveway or garage floor because it tastes sweet.

This chemical mixture can poison animals, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, weakness, and unsteady walking. Contact a vet clinic immediately if you suspect antifreeze poisoning.

 

If your pet experiences these winter problems, contact Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital in Columbia, MO, to set up an appointment with their passionate medical team. The vet clinic staff handles everything from nutritional counseling to oral care, grooming, and checkups. Call (573) 449-7387 to reach their Oak Forest location or (573) 449-3791 for their Keen Estates facility. Visit the website for information on their walk-ins, scheduled appointments, and emergency care. 

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