As we enter the winter season and chills begin to lace the air you might be thinking about turning the heating on if you haven’t already done so. The energy price cap and the winter fuel payments have once again made news headlines. Many people will be paying careful consideration towards heating their homes either due to cost or perhaps for sustainability reasons. 

Cold related illnesses are well documented in humans with the NHS recommending that homes are heated to at least 18°C to prevent them. But what about our pets, do they suffer from cold related illnesses? If we are feeling the cold we can put an extra layer of clothing on or use a heavier tog duvet without necessarily needing to turn up the thermostat. But how do we know if our pets are feeling the cold and what about pets that live outdoors?

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During the winter months humans are more susceptible to conditions such as flu, coughs, colds, winter vomiting bugs and coronavirus. Perhaps you’ve already succumbed to a cold this season, our family certainly has! Cats and dogs are susceptible to illnesses with cold-like symptoms too, but these are not the same viruses that humans suffer from, it is highly unlikely that you will give your cat or dog a cold or flu and vice versa as the viruses are usually species specific. As well as viral illnesses, your pet is at risk from conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite

Coughs, Colds and Flu

“Cat flu” is a common, highly contagious virus affecting the upper respiratory tract, it is most often caused by feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. These viruses are specific to cats and your cat will be protected if their vaccinations are up to date. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, watery eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and mouth ulcers. Kittens are especially susceptible to developing severe complications such as pneumonia or eye ulcers. Those in at risk groups (see below) are also more vulnerable. 

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex 

More commonly known as Kennel Cough, this is a highly infectious respiratory condition causing a dry, hacking cough. As well as a cough, your dog may also have a runny nose and watery eyes. More serious symptoms include lethargy, reduced appetite and fever. Kennel cough may develop into pneumonia in at risk groups. Your dog can be vaccinated against some of the viruses which cause this disease; such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza. Kennel Cough isn’t always included with core vaccine schedules so it’s worth checking your dogs’ vaccination record or asking your practice team if you aren’t sure.

Does being cold cause respiratory infections?        

Not really – they are due to viruses or bacteria. 

However… Recent research has shown that humans are more likely to suffer from respiratory viruses in cold weather because the cold air lowers the immune response in the nose and creates favourable conditions for viruses to spread. It’s not clear if this is the same for cats and dogs. And it’s worth noting that just as we might get a cold in the middle of summer, your pets can also suffer from these conditions at any time of year.

Hypothermia

Our pets can feel the cold just as we do. Signs that your pet is feeling cold include shivering, curling up to keep themselves warm, their hair may stand on end and their ears, feet, tails and noses may feel cold to touch. If you notice these symptoms get them warmed up; move them to a warmer area, dry them off if they are wet, warm them with blankets (warm blankets if possible), wrap a wheat pack, snugglesafe or hot water bottle in a blanket and place it next to them and offer a drink of lukewarm water. 

Hypothermia develops when body temperature continues to drop dangerously below normal. In addition to the signs already mentioned, symptoms of hypothermia include: uncontrollable shivering which may then stop when they are severely cold, lethargy, clumsiness, pale gums, shallow breathing, feeling cold to the touch, collapse and loss of consciousness. 

First aid measures involve gradually rewarming your pet as suggested above, contact your vet if you suspect hypothermia. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and untreated it can lead to death. 

Frostbite

In very cold conditions vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) happens as the body prioritises maintaining core body temperature. As the blood vessels narrow the lack of blood flow also stops the delivery of heat, especially to the extremities (feet, tails, ears, noses and genitals) and ice crystals form causing tissue damage. Symptoms can include; the area feeling very cold or stiff, discolouration (this can be difficult to see under fur), pain and swelling (as the tissue thaws), self-mutilation, sore, blistered or ulcerated areas of skin. If you suspect frostbite begin gentle rewarming of your pet as a first aid measure and contact your veterinary practice straight away.

There is the potential for any pet to get cold related illness although some are more at risk than others. Factors which make your pet more vulnerable include: 

Life-stage, breed and body condition

Those especially at risk are the very young or elderly pets as they can’t control their body temperature as well and/or may have impaired immunity or metabolism. Young animals and some smaller breeds have a higher surface area to body mass ratio. This means that they are more susceptible to getting cold quicker. Pets that are underweight (click to check your cat’s or dog’s body condition score) or are of a slim body type such as sighthounds are also more prone to feeling the cold.

Medical conditions

If your pet has a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, heart disease or arthritis they will be more prone to getting cold. This may be due to poor circulation, their medical condition affecting thermoregulation or because they can’t move around and get comfortable as easily. Some medical conditions may also lower their immunity, making them more prone to respiratory infections.

Post-operatively

Some drugs used for anaesthesia affect the body’s ability to control body temperature. As a result, we usually recommend that all pets are kept indoors following sedation or anaesthesia until they are fully recovered and the effects of anaesthetic drugs have worn off. Some procedures mean that a large area of hair will have been clipped; your pet will not be accustomed to this change so extra care will need to be taken. 

Outdoor living

Pets living outdoors are at a high risk from cold exposure. There is no published data to say how many pets suffer from hypothermia or frostbite in the UK per year. So see below for more discussion!

Unvaccinated

Although vaccines do not give 100% protection, vaccination will help to prevent some of the viral diseases mentioned above or symptoms may be less severe if your pet is exposed. If your pet has never been vaccinated or is not up to date with boosters, they are at a much higher risk.

Outdoor living (pets that don’t live in our homes)

Many pets live outdoors (not in the home) in the UK such as working dogs, feral or farm cats as well as some rabbits and guinea pigs. Pets are dependent on their owners to meet their welfare needs. As stated in Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 this includes; providing them with a suitable environment and protection from pain, suffering, injury or disease. 

If your pet has been living out all year they will be accustomed to the weather to a certain exten. But extra care should be taken to ensure their welfare needs are met. They must be provided with a home / housing which provides adequate shelter from environmental challenges such as rain, wind, cold and snow. Extra measures need to be taken in the event of cold snaps and severe weather to prevent cold related illness and also keep them comfortable. The RSPCA offers more information on keeping dogs outside during winter here. The Cats Protection offers advice on the sheltering of outdoor cats here.

How can we make sure our pets are comfortable and warm enough?

If your pet lives in a centrally heated home with you and you are comfortable, you generally don’t need to be concerned. If you only partially heat your home or your pet is in an at risk group some extra consideration will need to be taken to ensure they stay warm

  • Bedding: Make sure your pet has dry, comfortable bedding. A raised bed also elevates them off the cold ground and helps protect from draughts, raised sides will also help protect from draughts.
  • Clothes and heat pads: Most sighthounds have a winter coat in their wardrobes but other breeds can also benefit as well as dogs in the at risk groups. There are lots of dog coats available to suit different body types and sizes. Your pet may benefit from a heat pad such as a snugglesafe placed in their bed. 
  • Out and about. If you work your dog or tend to go on long hikes bear in mind the signs of early hypothermia. Is your dog shivering with excitement and anticipation or are they shivering because they’ve got wet and cold. If your dog gets wet on a walk, dry them off and get them warmed up as soon as possible, specific dog drying coats are available to help wick away water. 
  • Cold cars: The risks of leaving a dog in a hot car are well known but leaving a dog in a parked car after a walk is also potentially dangerous, especially if your dog is damp. 

Pets do suffer from cold related illness; prevention is better than cure so have a think if there’s anything more you can do to protect your pets this winter; especially vulnerable pets in at risk groups. Pets are reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs.

Let’s not forget there are people who are homeless and sleeping rough over the winter months, some of them have pets. If you are concerned there may be a way you can help; directing their owners to charities or facilities for homeless people in your area, providing blankets and/or a dog coat or contacting animal charities such as the RSPCA or Streetvet. 

Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if your pet is struggling with viral symptoms. Hypothermia and frostbite are medical emergencies so contact your vet if you suspect either condition. If your pet is at risk from hypothermia and frostbite, so are you! Take care of yourself.