Vet’s ’emergency’ warning signs every dog owner should know | Weather | News

A veterinary technician has listed several “emergency” signs to watch for in dogs during the winter months. With many parts of the country seeing picturesque snowfall, it’s left some dog owners unsure as to when it’s safe to take their pets out for a walk.

Known as “man’s best friend”, dogs belong to millions of owners all over the world. Licensed vet technician Jill was keen to help them navigate the chilly temperatures.

In a video shared on YouTube, she provided a list of symptoms dog owners should be vigilant about when taking their pets out in the snow.

She said there are a “lot of variables that come into play” in determining whether it’s too cold for a dog to go outside, such as the breed, size, and fur type of the animal.

Dogs with thicker coats and high energy levels are likely to fare better in colder conditions than small, short-haired breeds who are less adapted to the snow.

Another factor Jill highlighted is whether the dog is an effective communicator – will they let you know if they’re too cold or uncomfortable, or will they persevere in an attempt to please you?

Jill explained: “It’s pretty simple, [you’ve] just got to pay attention to their body language. The size, the breed, the health, the wellness and the physical condition of your dog is what determines whether they can be out here and enjoy this or not.”

Emergency cold weather symptoms in dogs

Like people, dogs can develop frostbite which is an “emergency” condition. Frostbite, according to the NHS, “happens when your skin freezes after being in very cold temperatures”.

The health service advises: “The skin needs to be warmed as soon as possible. Get medical help if you think you or someone else has frostbite.”

Jill said: “The first places that we notice it are the ear tips of the dog, the tail, [the nose], the pads of the feet, or the soft underbelly where there’s no fur.

“It can change the normal colour of your dog’s skin to a white a pale colour, or even a bluish colour.

“Once they start getting into this hypothermic condition where they start to get frostbite, they’re dumping body heat faster than they can recoup it and so they’re getting very cold, very fast.”

She added: “This is an emergency and you need to get them inside – and if they do have frostbite, it’s a good idea to visit the veterinarian.”

Jill listed the “top four things dogs need when it’s cold outside” as “fresh water, warm bedding, good food [and] activity”. The vet tech emphasised it’s crucial for dogs to get exercise “even if it’s cold outside”.

She urged owners to “keep an eye” on their dogs’ paws, “making sure they don’t turn bright red” in freezing conditions.

The vet also recommended watching for signs such as a runny nose, shivering, or the dog standing still and refusing to move. These are indicators that your dog needs to be brought indoors immediately.

To help owners determine an appropriate amount of outdoor time with their pets, she explained: “If you take your pet outside and the air hurts your face and it’s really that cold, you probably shouldn’t leave your dog out for more than 10 or 15 minutes.

“As long as they have enough fur to stay warm – a boxer is not equipped for a winter like this; they freeze, they’re cold, they need a sweater, they need a jacket, they need booties, they’re very cold out in this kind of weather.”

For those who use ice melting products in their gardens or on driveways, she highlighted the importance of selecting pet-safe options, as dogs may lick their paws and ingest harmful substances that could prove toxic.

If you have concerns about your dog in cold weather, consult a veterinary professional for guidance.