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Keeping Pets Safe in Cold Weather: What the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection Advise

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Cold, wet and dark weather changes what pets need from their owners. The RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection each publish winter guidance. This article summarises what they say about dogs, cats and rabbits. It is general welfare information from UK animal charities. It does not replace advice from a vet, who should be contacted about any illness, injury or suspected poisoning.

What is normal for pets in winter

The RSPCA says the natural behaviours of pets change through the seasons, and that knowing what is normal helps owners spot when something is wrong. In winter it describes it as natural for pets to seek warmth and shelter, prefer to stay indoors when it is wet or cold, huddle with companions, shiver after too long in low temperatures (more noticeable in smaller and short-haired breeds), and groom more. Some pets eat more and drink less, but the RSPCA warns that dry indoor air and heated rooms can lead to dehydration, so fresh drinking water should always be available.

Pets that need closer attention

The RSPCA lists animals that are more at risk of falling ill in winter and advises owners of these pets to speak to a vet about how best to protect them:

  • flat-faced (brachycephalic) animals, which may have difficulty breathing in colder weather;
  • short-coated animals, which may feel the cold more, and for which a coat outdoors or a heated blanket at home can help;
  • animals with arthritis, because cold weather can make joint pain worse;
  • animals with heart issues, because cold temperatures can make breathing and exercise harder.

For hairless cats, the RSPCA says a heated blanket in the home can help them keep warm. It also names dogs that are older, smaller, short-coated or puppies as more at risk of hypothermia and says a dog showing symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, pale gums or loss of coordination should be taken to a vet immediately.

Antifreeze, grit and rock salt

Antifreeze appears in all three charities’ advice. The RSPCA says antifreeze and rock salt on the ground can be fatal to dogs and cats, which may lick them from paws or fur, and that legs, paws and tummy should be thoroughly wiped after a walk or time outside in cold weather. It says never to “watch and wait” if poisoning is suspected: a vet should be contacted immediately. Cats Protection says antifreeze in car radiators, screen wash and de-icers contains ethylene glycol, which can be fatal, that only a small amount is needed and that a cat can be poisoned by walking through a puddle and grooming its fur. Its suggestions are to use screen wash or de-icer that does not contain ethylene glycol, wipe up any remaining radiator solution quickly and keep products out of reach. The RSPCA also lists antifreeze among common winter poisons for rabbits.

Winter walks with dogs

Dogs Trust advises a number of specific steps for winter walks:

  • keep the dog on a lead in snow, because snow can cover unsafe areas, deep patches or holes;
  • make sure the dog wears a collar and ID tag and is microchipped, with database details up to date;
  • wipe the dog’s legs, feet and belly after a walk, as grit and damp can irritate the skin;
  • never leave a dog in a car, whether the day is hot or cold;
  • keep dogs off frozen ponds, since ice may not take their weight. If a dog falls through, the advice is not to go in after it but, if possible, to encourage it to swim back and call the emergency services;

For dark walks, Dogs Trust recommends a coat with high-visibility features, a flashing collar or a light attachment, introduced gradually so the dog is comfortable wearing it. It says some shorter-haired breeds and puppies may need a coat when it turns chilly, while some dogs grow thicker coats that could be left to lengthen. When parks close early, Dogs Trust suggests varying street routes, playing games indoors and providing enrichment such as long-lasting chews or food-releasing toys.

Cats in cold weather

Cats Protection advises that a cat with outdoor access should always be able to get back indoors, ideally through a cat flap, and that owners should watch the flap in heavy snow or ice because it can stick or block. Its other points are:

  • provide plenty of fresh water indoors in case outdoor sources freeze;
  • bring the cat in at night, and check sheds, outhouses and garages that it is not locked inside;
  • keep the microchip details up to date, since cats may wander in search of warmth;
  • tap the bonnet or check before starting a car, as cats can shelter under warm engines;
  • provide a private litter tray, and screen open fireplaces and supervise a cat when a fire is lit.

The RSPCA recommends keeping pet cats indoors at night during very cold temperatures. Both charities note that central heating helps fleas thrive indoors, so parasite treatment should be discussed with a vet.

Rabbits in cold weather

The RSPCA says a temperature between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius is ideal for domestic rabbits, and that if temperatures drop below freezing owners may wish to move rabbits indoors. Outdoors, it advises a well-insulated, dry, draught-free shelter with plenty of bedding, kept out of the wind and rain, and a hutch raised off the ground and still well ventilated. Wet bedding should be removed daily because it can freeze on cold nights, and water should be checked at least twice a day to make sure it is not frozen. A bowl is less likely to freeze than a bottle.

The bottom line

The three charities agree on the basics: keep pets warm and dry, keep antifreeze and de-icers out of reach, wipe grit and salt from paws and fur, keep dogs on leads near snow and ice, make dark walks visible, and check that cats and rabbits have shelter, unfrozen water and a safe way back inside. Pets that are old, short-coated, flat-faced, arthritic or with a heart condition warrant particular attention, and a vet should be contacted at once about signs of illness or possible poisoning.

Sources

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