9 Winter Pet Health Tips as Temperatures Drop in Greater London

Winter can be tough on pets, especially as temperatures in Greater London can get pretty gnarly from November to March. Cold weather can bring about a range of health challenges for your furry friends. Here are some common winter ailments that can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small furry pets to be aware of, and steps you can take to prevent them, from our team at Animal Medical Centre.

Get ahead of troubling winter ailments and book a pre-winter health check with our vets in Childs Hill for personalised advice. 

By understanding the potential health risks associated with winter weather and taking proactive measures, our vets in Childs Hill advise that you can help your pet stay healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months.

How cold is too cold for pets to be outdoors? Download our handy infographic now.

Here are some common pet health conditions that can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small furry pets, and are more prevalent during the cold winter months:

• Respiratory Infections: Cold, damp weather in Greater London can create ideal conditions for the spread of respiratory infections like kennel cough in dogs, upper respiratory infections in cats, and respiratory issues in smaller pets.
• Hypothermia: Pets exposed to extreme cold can develop hypothermia. This is particularly a risk for rabbits, guinea pigs, small furries, short-haired cat and dog breeds, very young or elderly pets, or those with underlying health conditions.
• Frostbite: Frostbite can occur in pets exposed to freezing temperatures, especially in areas like ears, paws, and the tail.
• Arthritis: Cold weather can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in pets with arthritis.
• Obesity: Reduced physical activity during the winter months can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

A pre-winter health check with our experienced team at Animal Medical Centre can help to spot any issues early, and ensure your pet is in good health for the upcoming cold season.

Get a head start and book your pet's health check today. 

9 Preventative Winter Pet Health Tips

To help prevent or reduce the effects of the above pet health conditions, it's important to:

1. Keep your pet indoors during extreme cold weather.
2. Provide a warm, comfortable, draft-free shelter.
3. Avoid leaving pets in rooms with space heaters with open flames, including log burners, and kerosene and gas heaters.
4. Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.
5. Regularly check your pet for signs of illness or discomfort.
6. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine - try indoor exercise if it's way too cold outside.
7. Provide warm blankets or bedding for your pet if they need to travel in the car.
8. If your dog shivers in the cold, or they are very young, old, unwell or have short hair, use a dog coat for winter walks.
9. Book a pre-winter health check to help ensure your pet's healthy and winter-ready.

If you're wondering how cold is too cold for your pet to be outside, take a look at our handy cold weather infographic - download it here.

By taking these precautions, you can help your pet stay healthy and comfortable during the winter months and remember, our vets in Childs Hill are here to help.