As a bitter chill sweeps across the UK, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has issued an urgent warning to dog owners, highlighting a simple but crucial grooming step to protect pets from a painful winter problem.
The Simple Grooming Tip to Prevent Painful Ice Balls
The animal welfare charity is strongly advising owners to trim the fur around their dog's paws and ears. This preventative measure is vital for stopping ice balls from forming within the fur, which the RSPCA describes as being heavy and causing significant discomfort for the animal.
The guidance, published on the RSPCA's official website, states that for medium or long-haired breeds, it's also wise to trim the fur around their back legs and bum. The charity emphasises that while all dogs feel the cold, winter can specifically impact their health and behaviour, as well as expose them to outdoor dangers like poisonous antifreeze.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk in the Cold?
Not all dogs are equally equipped for the plummeting temperatures. The RSPCA explains that a dog's susceptibility to the cold depends heavily on its breed, size, and age.
Dogs with thin, short, or no coats are far more susceptible to cold-related illnesses than breeds with a protective double coat. Size is another major factor; smaller dogs lose body heat much faster than larger breeds, who benefit from better insulation and being higher off the ground.
The charity also singles out puppies, elderly dogs, and those who are sick or not acclimatised to the cold as being particularly vulnerable. Puppies, in particular, have not yet fully developed their ability to regulate body temperature.
Other Essential Winter Safety Advice from the RSPCA
Beyond the key grooming tip, the RSPCA provides a comprehensive list of recommendations to keep canine companions safe and healthy during the winter months. Owners are urged to remain vigilant for any unusual changes in their pet's behaviour.
You may notice your dog eating or sleeping more as a way to conserve energy, or conversely, displaying a burst of energy to warm up. However, if your dog is unwilling to go for walks or goes off its food, this could be a sign of a problem, and you should consult your vet.
The charity's other critical winter tips include:
- Keeping your dog active and ensuring it is microchipped.
- Using reflective or LED gear to maintain visibility on dark walks.
- Thoroughly drying your dog and wiping down its paws and tummy after every walk to remove grit, rock salt, and antifreeze.
- Avoiding icy ponds and never leaving a dog alone in a car.
- Considering a dog coat for vulnerable breeds and providing a warm, cosy space indoors.
For more detailed information, dog owners can visit the official RSPCA website.
