Mochi's Clinic

How to Care for Your Dog or Cat in Winter

Winter brings low temperatures that affect your furry friend's health. Here is essential veterinary advice to protect them.

This is general information: for any health concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Breeds Sensitive to Cold

Not all animals tolerate low temperatures the same way. Knowing if your companion is vulnerable helps you protect their health during the coldest months of the year.

Small or miniature dogs have a lower body fat percentage and are more sensitive to the cold, as is the case with Chihuahuas. Short-haired dogs and hairless breeds also have more difficulty regulating their body temperature naturally.

In the case of cats, the most vulnerable to low temperatures are kittens, thin individuals, elderly cats, sick cats, wet cats, and hairless breeds.

• Small and miniature dogs like Chihuahuas.
• Short-haired dogs and hairless breeds.
• Kittens, thin, elderly, and sick cats.
• Wet cats and hairless breeds.

Pet Coats and Clothing

When the thermometer drops and your dog has trouble staying warm, specialized clothing becomes a great ally for going outside.

It is recommended to use waterproof coats or raincoats to protect the fur and moisture in dogs that have difficulty regulating heat or have short hair.

It is highly advisable to try the garment on the animal for a while before going outside to check that they tolerate it perfectly, as not all dogs like to wear clothes.

• Use waterproof coats or raincoats on short-haired or sensitive dogs.
• Try the clothes at home for a while before the walk to see if they tolerate them.

Paw Pad Care and Salt

Your dog's paw pads suffer greatly in winter due to de-icing salt, ice, gravel, and the dry air from home heating. Salt dries them out, stings any cracks, and can irritate the stomach if licked.

Before the walk, trim the hair between the paw pads with round-tipped scissors close to the skin to prevent ice balls, mud, and salt from accumulating. Apply a thin layer of specific protective and moisturizing balm or cream, also massaging between the toes.

Check your pet's nails. If they click on the floor, they should be trimmed because they spread the toes and make it easier for dirt to get in.

During walks, prioritize parks, dirt paths, or clean snow over salted sidewalks. Prevent your pet from sniffing or eating snow from the roadside. Dog boots or booties are useful if their paw pads are already cracked or if they are walking on areas with a lot of salt or ice.

• Trim the hair between the paw pads close to the skin.
• Apply protective cream before going out.
• Check and trim nails if they click.
• Avoid salted sidewalks and snow consumption.
• Use booties if cracks are already present.

The Deadly Danger of Antifreeze

Antifreeze or coolant fluid from vehicle radiators, brake fluids, transmission fluids, and some heat exchange fluids is a highly toxic and often deadly substance for dogs and cats.

It has a very attractive sweet taste for animals. A very small dose can be lethal. For dogs, three to four teaspoons or four to seven milliliters per kilogram of weight is enough. For cats, it is even less, as it is lethal with just one to two teaspoons or one point five milliliters per kilogram of pure ethylene glycol.

Poisoning progresses through several stages. The initial stage lasts from thirty minutes to twelve hours with vomiting, nausea, intense thirst, increased urination, fatigue, loss of balance, panting, rapid depression of the central nervous system, and seizures. Between twelve and twenty-four hours, there may be a false improvement followed by difficulty breathing, coughing, and tachycardia. From twenty-four to seventy hours, severe general deterioration occurs, progressing to irreversible acute kidney failure.

• It is highly toxic due to its sweet taste.
• Minimal doses can be lethal for dogs and cats.
• Causes vomiting, loss of balance, and kidney failure.
• Requires immediate emergency veterinary assistance.

Cats in Car Engines and Animals with Arthritis

In cold months, stray or outdoor cats seek refuge in the engine compartment, undercarriage, wheel wells, or bumpers because they retain heat. This causes serious injuries from the fan or belts. Before starting the car, give a few firm taps on the hood, honk the horn, or close a door firmly to give the animal time to escape.

On the other hand, winter cold and humidity intensify the symptoms and pain of arthritis due to muscle stiffness and reduced circulation in the extremities. In dogs, you will see stiffness when they start to move, difficulty getting up, less desire to walk, and less tolerance to touch. In cats, you will notice they stop jumping to high places, use the scratching post less, or have difficulty accessing the litter box.

To manage arthritis, strictly control the animal's weight, adjust the diet with functional foods and joint protectors, maintain moderate daily exercise, and provide a warm, soft resting place away from cold floors or drafts.

• Tap the hood before starting the car in winter.
• The cold worsens arthritis pain in older pets.
• Control weight, adjust diet, and provide a warm resting place.

«I'm Mochi, and although I love snuggling up warm at home, I remind you to keep a close eye on your walks and your car so we can all stay safe this winter.»

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