The weather can affect more than just mood, however. So, what can you do to help keep your pet in tip-top condition this winter?

1. Watch out for cuts and scrapes

Grit can be harsh on paws, and after a wet, muddy walk it’s easy to miss a small cut or scrape, leaving it irritated and prone to infection. Try to check your dog’s paws after walks, especially if there’s any sign of a problem.

If you notice a shallow cut or scrape, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with plain water and gently pat it dry. Applying an antiseptic wound healing cream for pets, such as Omnimatrix, can help to soothe the area and support skin’s natural healing.

To find out more, check out our blog on wound care in dogs.

2. Stay safe on nighttime walks

With the sun still setting in mid-afternoon, walks in the dark are a necessity for many dog owners. It’s important to keep both your dog and yourself safe by keeping them on lead and picking high visibility clothing, collars and harnesses.

3.Take care of stiff joints

Just like humans, pets with stiff or sore joints can suffer more in cold weather. Our pets are usually pretty stoic and tend to hide the signs, but if you’ve noticed them slowing down, sleeping more or seeming stiff in the mornings, this could be a sign of underlying joint disease.

The good news is there are steps you can take to support them. For pets with joint disease, avoiding slippery surfaces is a must – whether that’s hard floors inside or icy pavements outdoors. Making sure they have a warm place to sleep can also help, and they’ll definitely appreciate it!

You can also support your pet’s joints with a targeted nutritional supplement such as Omnicondro, which contains market-leading concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin to promote healthy cartilage and antioxidants to support and stabilise collagen.

For maximal joint care and full body support, why not add in Omniomega, our popular omega-3 supplement that helps to support the orthopaedic, neurological, renal and cardiovascular systems.

4. Look after winter skin

Dry skin can be another thing we share with our pets in winter. While it may be wet and unpleasant outside, the cold air can still be drying to skin, while central heating can also contribute to skin dehydration. Repeatedly getting paws wet and salty outside can cause irritation too.

While some pets cope well, pets with allergies or sensitive skin can become itchy and uncomfortable as their skin dries out or may develop sore paws in response to grit and salt.

If your pet’s skin seems drier or more irritated than normal, there are some things you can try to help. Rinsing then thoroughly drying paws after walks is vital to wash off any salt. You can also try bathing any irritated areas in a gentle oatmeal bath to soothe sore skin.

Another way to support your pet’s coat and skin is to give them the nutritional support they need to help strengthen their skin barrier, which is essential to keep moisture trapped within the skin. Omega-3s in particular have been shown to support the skin barrier.

To provide your pet with complete skin support, check out Omnicutis. This fast-acting supplement contains market-leading concentrations of Omega-3 in addition to zinc and biotin to promote healthy skin, hair and nails and support your pet’s immune system.

5. Don’t forget their ears!

It’s not just paws that get wet in winter. If your dog comes back from their walks with soggy ears, they could be at increased risk of an ear infection. Ear infections can be painful and unpleasant to treat, so prevention is always better than cure. Cleaning dirty ears with a safe, gentle, antibacterial cleaner such as Omniotic can clear wax and debris and help to reduce the risk of infection.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health this winter, it’s always worth seeing your vet; however, by taking some simple steps at home you can help to keep your pet out of trouble and in tip-top health, ready for the brighter days to come.

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1. Darker nights call for something bright

As the nights draw in and evenings (and early mornings) become darker, keeping pets safe from vehicles and ensuring you can spot them easily is more important than ever. Reflective collars and harnesses can play a major role in keeping your pets safe, while light up collars for dogs take this to the next level. Make sure that whoever walking the dog is also wearing clothes which are highly visible. Off lead exercise is best kept for daylight hours, but a long lead in appropriate areas can help to give your dog more freedom while keeping them safe.

2. Spooky season doesn’t need to be scary: stay safe on Halloween

Halloween can be an exciting time for the whole family, but there are some specific hazards to be aware of. Chocolate toxicity is a common concern so making sure children don’t share their treats with pets is crucial, but it’s also important to make sure they don’t get their paws on other potentially toxic items like glow sticks. If your pet does eat something they shouldn’t, you should speak to your vet as soon as possible to determine if treatment is needed.

Keeping an eye on your pets and being aware of their body language is also vital: while some may enjoy playing dress up, others can become distressed or overwhelmed by costumes or excited children.

Finally, it’s worth keeping cats indoors over Halloween, and keeping your dog on-lead. The noise and commotion of trick or treaters can be frightening and could cause your pet to panic and put themselves in harm’s way.

3. Help your pets manage their firework fears

For many pets, the scariest part of autumn has nothing to do with Halloween. Fireworks can cause anything from mild anxiety to severe distress, but there are some things you can do to help.

First, pets should always be kept indoors or on a lead when fireworks are expected; in addition to the physical danger posed by fireworks, including scavenging of debris, they may also panic in response to the noise.

Secondly, it’s important to take measures to keep them calm at home. Keep windows closed, remain calm yourself and play some background noise, whether it’s soothing music or the TV. Creating a safe space, whether it’s a covered crate, hiding spot under a bed or a den on the sofa, can help to ease many pets’ fears, while distraction with toys and snuffle mats may also help. For some pets, it may be worth discussing calming supplements or even medications with your vet. Longer-term, desensitisation training can help to manage noise phobias.

4. Ticks: the real Halloween monsters

Most active in spring and autumn, ticks are a common parasite of dogs and cats. Risky locations include heathland, woodland, areas with long grass, and places frequented by wildlife and farm animals.

Ticks in the UK can transmit infections like Lyme disease, but usually need to remain on your pet for several hours to do so. You can use parasite products that kill ticks, but these usually take 24-48 hours to kill a tick, so checking your pet after walks and removing ticks as soon as they’re spotted can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Sticking to paths and open spaces can help to avoid ticks, but if you live in a high-risk area you may want to discuss repellent products with your vet.

5. A (wasp) sting in the tail

As the warmer weather fades, it’s not just ticks that become more active; wasps also spend more time foraging in the autumn months. Keeping your pet away from fermenting fallen fruit can help them to avoid a nasty sting.

Wasp stings in pets typically cause some mild swelling and discomfort but resolve within a couple of days; however, some pets may show more severe symptoms and require veterinary attention. If your pet is stung in the mouth or throat, has been stung multiple times or shows signs of an allergic reaction like facial swelling or breathing difficulties, you should see a vet urgently.

6. Pumpkin spice or something not so nice…

Autumn flavours are hugely popular, but unfortunately for our pets there are several potentially hazardous items. Common examples of so-called ‘dietary indiscretion’ in autumn include:

• Conkers: these are bitter so are usually only eaten by particularly inquisitive or greedy dogs. They contain aesculin which can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhoea to weakness, collapse or even death. Conkers also pose a choking risk and can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
  Keeping dogs distracted with toys and chews on walks can help to avoid conker ingestion, but if your dog does eat any you should contact your vet for advice.
  
  
• Acorns: these nuts are also poisonous, containing tannins and other compounds which can cause symptoms ranging from a stomach upset to liver and kidney injury or even death. Again, gastrointestinal obstruction is also a concern. Contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog eats acorns.
  
  
• Fallen fruit: many dogs will eat fallen fruit in autumn, and it may result in nothing more than an upset stomach. However, in some cases fermentation and growth of mould can pose a more significant risk. Consuming large amounts of the seeds or stones of some fruits may also cause toxicity or gut obstruction.
  
  
• Mushrooms and toadstools: just as these can be toxic to humans, they can also have a range of toxic effects in dogs, some of which can be very severe or even cause death. If you notice your dog eat any wild mushroom, you should contact your vet immediately for advice.
  
  
• Rat and mouse poison:these are often put down in the cooler months as rodents move indoors, increasing your pets’ chances of consuming either the poison itself or rodents that have been exposed. The toxins are usually anticoagulants, resulting in weakness, signs of bleeding, bruising and breathing difficulties. Emergency veterinary treatment is necessary for any pet that’s ingested rat or mouse poison, even if they’re not yet showing signs. Taking the packaging with you if it’s available can help your vet to determine the best treatment.
  
  
• Spring bulbs: often planted in autumn, these can cause a range of toxic effects so it’s worth keeping your pets well away.

7. Seasonal Canine Illness

This relatively rare condition is something to keep on your radar in autumn. Its cause is unknown but it typically affects dogs shortly after walking in woodland between August and November, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, pain and muscle tremors. These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, but if you notice your dog become acutely unwell – especially after a woodland walk – it’s worth seeking urgent veterinary attention.

8. Autumn for arthritics

Finally – and much more commonly – autumn is also the time when many older pets start to struggle more with arthritis. The symptoms of this common condition can be very subtle and are often chalked up to old age, with affected cats and dogs seeming just a little slower or stiffer than usual, or sleeping more and exercising less.

Cold weather and slippery surfaces can see pets start to struggle more, so it’s important to keep an eye on your them and speak to your vet if you suspect there might be something wrong. There are many changes you can make to support your pets’ joints, including avoiding slippery floors, minimising jumping and supporting your pets’ joints with supplements like Omnicondro and Omniomega.

Find out more about arthritis in dogs and cats.

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First aid for a bleeding animal

1. Establish where the bleeding is coming from.
2. Apply firm pressure to the area with a clean cloth or towel where it is safe to do so.
3. Apply a bandage (see our bandaging guide) to the area if possible (unless the wound is around the neck).

First aid for an animal with a burn

1. Move your pet away from the cause of the burn.
2. Apply cold water (ideally running water) to the affected area for a minimum of 5 minutes.
3. DO NOT apply any creams or ointments until you have spoken to a vet.
4. Extensive burns can cause loss of fluid and be prone to infection. Keep the area clean and you may need to apply dressings.

First aid for a pet having seizures or loss of conciousness

1. Remain calm and quiet.
2. Do not try and restrain your pet.
3. Remove any objects from the immediate area to prevent injury.
4. If they are fitting, reduce all noise and light in the area to reduce stimulation.
5. If they have muscle tremors, keep them cool – open a window or use a quiet fan.
6. Make notes of the time, number of seizures or feinting episodes, how long each one lasted and what occurred (did your pet lose consciousness / paddle their legs / salivate / twitch etc).
7. If safe to do so, check the colour of their gums to see if they are red, pink, pale, bluish, yellow or brown.

First aid for pets with suspected broken bones

1. Avoid touching the area.
2. Be careful when moving your pet – you can try putting a towel under the belly to help them walk with an injured leg.
3. Do not try and apply a bandage or splint, or any cream or ointment.
4. Call your vet for advice and to request an appointment.

First aid for a pet who has had a bee/wasp sting

1. Apply cool water or ice to the area if possible.
2. Bee stings are barbed and usually left in the skin; try to remove the sting by scraping rather than pulling to avoid releasing more toxin.
3. Give calm, quiet reassurance.
4. Monitor for swelling, especially inside the mouth or around the neck.
5. Speak to a vet before giving any medication.

First aid for a pet who has suffered electrocution

1. Turn off the power source before approaching or use a dry, non-metallic/conducting pole to distance your pet from the electrical source.
2. Check your pet is breathing and conscious – if they are not call a vet immediately.
3. Check your pet for burns; these may be delayed and appear after several days. Treat as burns above.
4. Keep your pet warm.

First aid if your pet is choking

1. If it is safe to do so, check if there is something obvious in their mouth or throat.
2. Check the colour of their gums – if they are pale or bluish call the vet immediately.
3. Remain as calm as possible and keep your pet calm.
4. If you try to remove an object use extreme caution to avoid getting bitten. It can be very easy to accidentally push the object further in and damage the delicate tissues of the throat.
5. If you cannot easily remove the object place your pet on their side, place both hands on your pets ribs cage and push quickly and firmly with the flat of your hand three to four times – you are trying to push air out of the lungs to dislodge the stuck object.

First aid for animals involved in a Road Traffic Accident

1. Stay calm and move the animal to a safe place when it is safe to do so.
2. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements.
3. Use a blanket to help pick up an animal which is injured, to avoid getting scratched or bitten if they are in pain.
4. If possible, apply a lead for control and consider using muzzle before moving a dog.
5. Assess for any bleeding.
6. Keep them warm.
7. Always consult a veterinary surgeon – even if no external injuries can be seen.

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Exercise

Feeding

Grooming

Playtime

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How do you know when to call a vet to a horse wound?

1. Any wound or injury that makes your horse lame or sore
2. Puncture wounds (as there can be significant unseen damage beneath the skin)
3. Wounds that expose any tissue underneath the skin
4. Wounds that still have something in them (e.g. dirt, nails, splinters – do not attempt to remove)
5. Injury to the eye or eyelids
6. Injuries that may interfere with tack
7. Horse kick injuries
8. Wounds that have made the surrounding area feel hot to the touch
9. Wounds that have visible discharge, particularly if smelly
10. Wounds that are close to or over the joint
11. When healing is delayed or ‘proud flesh’ appears
12. If a horse is not up-to-date with their tetanus vaccination

How to apply basic wound first aid to horse wounds

1. Consider clipping – You might decide to trim the area around the wound, especially if your horse has a thick winter coat. This can help to see the area more easily and monitor the wound progression, but is not essential. Take care to avoid getting hairs in the wound as this can cause irritation and infection. Only do this step if your horse is used to clippers and unlikely to react.
2. Clean the wound – It is best to use some lukewarm saline solution to clean the wound to remove any contamination. You can make this yourself using boiled water that has been left to cool and adding table salt. If this isn’t an option then potable water from a hose is the next best option.
3. Reassess – Once you can see the wound more clearly, reassess whether there are any signs of concern. If it is deeper than you first thought, or fits into any of the above criteria then be sure to seek veterinary advice. If you identify any ‘foreign bodies’ such as nails or wood, do not remove these yourself as this could cause damage to underlying structures.
4. Apply antiseptic – Keep a suitable antiseptic in your first aid box to apply to minor wounds. We recommend discussing this with your vet as some antiseptics can be very stringent on skin which may irritate and cause further damage. Omnimatrix is a skin cream that is suitable for all stages of healing and is naturally antiseptic. It can be applied twice daily to the affected area. We recommend using gloves to apply any ointments so that you avoid directly touching the wound in case of infection.
5. Apply a dressing – Only apply a dressing if you are confident in doing so, and the wound is not close to a mobile area such as a joint. A sterile, non-adhesive dressing is best and should be applied with firm, but not excessive pressure (as this can cause further damage). Dressings should be changed regularly so that changes in the wound can be monitored.
6. Monitor progress – If the wound is not healing, your horse becomes sore, or there are any signs of infections or other concerns then call your vet for advice.

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2. Let their hair grow!

3. Beware of antifreeze and rock salt.

4. Don’t feed your pets mince pies.

5. Keep outdoor pets warm.

6. Observe changes in behaviour.

7. Be visible in the dark.

8. Supervise your pets around Christmas decorations.

9. Check your car before you drive.

10. Prepare for fireworks.

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