Pet care

Winter is a season that brings plenty of joy, but for our four-legged friends it can also carry serious health risks. It helps to understand which illnesses animals are exposed to at this time of year and what you can do to keep them safe and comfortable.

Illnesses and health hazards

• Colds and upper respiratory infections

In winter, dogs and cats are prone to colds and upper respiratory infections because low temperatures and higher humidity weaken their immune systems. Animals crowded together indoors make it easier for viruses to spread, while a lack of exercise and sudden temperature changes can further raise the risk of illness. On top of that, a poor diet and inadequate hydration weaken the body and make pets more susceptible to infection during the winter months.

What are the first signs?

The first signs of a cold in dogs and cats may include sneezing, coughing, a reduced appetite and a runny nose. Dogs often show changes in behaviour too, such as lethargy and weakness, while cats may tend to withdraw from other animals. As the illness progresses, breathing difficulties may develop, which call for immediate veterinary attention.

How is it treated?

Treatment of an upper respiratory infection depends on its severity and cause. In mild cases, it is enough to keep the animal comfortable, with a warm, quiet place to rest and a suitable diet. A humidifier can help ease symptoms by moistening the mucous membranes. Vets may prescribe antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics may also help in the case of bacterial infections. Preventing further infection is another key part of treatment, so limit contact with other animals until your pet has fully recovered.

• Hypothermia

Hypothermia, a drop in body temperature below normal (in dogs and cats it is usually 38–39°C), is a serious, life-threatening condition that can affect animals on cold days. One of the main causes is prolonged exposure to low temperatures, especially combined with wind and damp. Short-haired dogs and cats, young and elderly animals, and those with chronic conditions are particularly likely to lose body heat quickly. Additional risk factors include wet fur, which loses its insulating properties, and long periods spent out in the cold.

What are the first signs?

At first, animals may become listless and less active, shiver, and have paws that feel cold to the touch. As the condition worsens, breathing difficulties, a slowed heart rate, lethargy and weakness may appear. In more advanced stages, animals may lose coordination and their reactions may slow, which can lead to loss of consciousness.

How is it treated?

Hypothermia must be treated as quickly as possible and under veterinary supervision. Initial steps include moving the animal to a warm place, drying them off and gradually warming their body. If you notice signs of hypothermia, it is vital to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible and avoid home warming methods, which can do more harm than good. Proper intervention and quick action can save your pet’s life!!!

• Burns and frostbite

Paws are especially vulnerable to frostbite, as they come into direct contact with very cold ground. Snow, ice and road salt can cause irritation and damage to the skin. It is important to check your pet’s paws after walks and dry them thoroughly. Severe frostbite requires veterinary treatment.

• Poisoning

In winter, streets are often treated with de-icing agents such as road salt and chemical products which, although effective at preventing ice, can be extremely hazardous to the health of dogs and cats. Close contact with salt can poison an animal, producing a range of serious symptoms. The main chemicals involved, such as sodium, magnesium and calcium chloride, enter the body through the paws, where they can cause irritation and chemical burns to the skin. Animals often lick their paws to relieve the discomfort, which can lead to them ingesting these toxic substances.

What are the signs of poisoning?

The signs of poisoning by salt and other de-icers vary depending on the amount and type of substance the animal has been exposed to. Early signs include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. As the poisoning progresses, animals may have difficulty breathing, develop seizures and lose much of their coordination. Attentive owners may also notice signs of pain and discomfort, as well as persistent attempts to lick the paws, which is a clear signal that something is wrong.

What should you do?

If signs of poisoning appear, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet may recommend gastric lavage or appropriate medication to relieve the symptoms and help the body eliminate the harmful substances.

Winter is a time when taking extra care of our pets’ health and safety really matters. Here are the key preventive measures that will help keep dogs and cats well during the winter months:

1. Suitable clothing: For short-haired dogs and small breeds, it is worth investing in a warm coat or jumper to help maintain a steady body temperature on walks. For some animals, particularly older or unwell ones, an extra protective layer can make a real difference.
2. A suitable diet: An increased need for calories is normal in winter, as animals need more energy to keep warm. Make sure their diet is balanced and matched to their needs, especially for working dogs or those that are active outdoors.
3. Regular walks: Despite the winter weather, regular exercise remains essential. Shorter but more frequent walks will keep your pet energetic and fit while minimising the risk of hypothermia. Always check the paws for signs of irritation when you get home.
4. Protection from chemicals: Take particular care in areas where antifreeze products, road salt and other potentially toxic chemicals are used. Check your pet’s paws regularly after walks to remove any chemical residue that could irritate the skin.
5. Keep them hydrated: Animals often drink less water in winter, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water. You might also consider offering wet food, which provides extra moisture.
6. Monitor their health: Watch your pet for changes in behaviour, lethargy or signs of a cold. Spotting symptoms early makes prompt veterinary treatment possible.

Summary

Winter need not pose a threat to our pets’ health if we prepare for it properly. Knowing the risks and taking sensible precautions will allow our animals to enjoy the season in full health and good spirits. Proper prevention and keeping a close eye on your pet’s wellbeing are the keys to keeping them well through the harsh winter months. 

Adopting an animal is not just a lovely gesture; it is also a huge responsibility and a change in lifestyle. By choosing a new pet, you open the door to a world full of joy, love and one-of-a-kind moments you will create together. A new pet brings happiness, affection and countless unforgettable memories into our lives, but it also comes with serious obligations. So before you welcome your new friend home, it is worth thinking through a few key questions to make sure you can give them the best possible life. 

Thinking the decision through

Deciding to adopt an animal is one of those life choices that call for particularly careful thought and proper preparation. Choosing a new pet is not a spur-of-the-moment thing; it means taking responsibility for a living creature that will be part of your life for many years. That is why it is so important to spend time researching different breeds, their temperaments and their specific needs before you make a final decision.

Every breed has its own unique traits, both physical and psychological. Some dogs, such as border collies, are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, while breeds like bulldogs tend to be calmer and less active. The same goes for cats: Persians may need more grooming because of their long coats, whereas short-haired cats such as the British Shorthair are often easier to look after. Understanding these differences helps you judge whether a particular breed will suit your lifestyle.

It is also important to take an honest look at what you can offer. Do you have enough time for walks, play and interaction with your pet? Is your flat or house suited to the needs of the breed you have chosen? Bear in mind that some animals need plenty of space to run around, while others do perfectly well in smaller homes, provided they get enough activity.

 Preparing your home

Getting your home ready for a new animal is essential. Here are a few steps to take:

• Safety: Make sure your home is safe for an animal. Remove anything hazardous, such as chemicals and small objects that could be swallowed, and secure windows and balconies.
• A space of their own: Set up a spot where your pet can rest and feel secure. This might be a bed for a dog or a scratching post for a cat.
• Gathering supplies: Get the essentials ready: water and food bowls, toys, leads, collars, a litter tray (if you are adopting a cat) and anything else that will make life easier for both you and your pet.

The first visit to the vet

The first vet visit after adopting an animal is a key step that belongs in every new owner’s calendar. Its purpose is not only to assess your pet’s health, but also to make sure the newest member of the family gets the care and support they need to live a healthy life. Book an appointment as soon as possible after your pet arrives, ideally within the first few days.

During the visit, it is also worth going over the animal’s medical history, if one is available. Details of previous vaccinations, deworming and any past illnesses can be extremely valuable in helping the vet work out which steps matter most for your pet’s health. If you are adopting from a shelter, staff can often provide health records, which makes this much easier.

One of the key points of the visit is setting up a vaccination and deworming schedule. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations are recommended and how often they need to be given. As a rule, they should be repeated regularly to keep your pet protected against infectious diseases. The vet will also discuss other important procedures, such as spaying or neutering, which can affect your animal’s health and behaviour.

Care and patience: helping your pet settle into a new environment

When you first welcome a new animal into your home, they should have access to a separate space where they can hide and rest. A crate, a bed or a quiet corner of a room makes an ideal first refuge and will give them a sense of security early on. This is where your pet can calmly take in new smells and sounds, and retreat to unwind whenever the new surroundings feel overwhelming.

In the beginning, it is important to avoid too much stimulation. Try not to interrupt their rest or overwhelm them with lots of people, loud noises or intense interaction. Give them time to explore their new environment at their own pace. Watch how they behave: if they seem stressed, give them a moment to calm down in their comfort zone. 

Gradually introducing daily routines will help your pet feel more confident. When they show an interest in interacting, encourage play and exploration with favourite toys or treats. For a dog, regular walks on the lead will not only help them get used to the new surroundings, but also build a bond as you discover the neighbourhood together. Try introducing them to different rooms in the house to increase their comfort and help them understand the space.

Building a positive relationship is the key to helping your pet settle in. Use positive reinforcement, rewarding the behaviour you want to encourage, such as calmly approaching you or exploring the new environment. With regular contact and a safe space of their own, you will build a bond based on trust and security.

What to know before adopting or buying a pet from a breeder

When choosing a dog, especially from a breeder, it is extremely important to check the breeder thoroughly before deciding to buy. Unfortunately, alongside legitimate breeders there are also backyard breeders and puppy farms that ignore ethical and health standards, which can lead to serious health problems in puppies and bad experiences for both the animals and their future owners. Such operations tend to focus mainly on profit and disregard animal welfare, resulting in poor living conditions, a lack of proper veterinary care and unethical breeding practices.

Before buying a dog, take the time to look closely at the breeder: ask about the conditions the animals are kept in, their health history and how they are socialised. Reputable breeders are transparent, happy to share information and documentation about their animals, and welcome prospective buyers to visit. 

Summary

Remember that adoption is a commitment for many years, and every new member of the family deserves love, care and a proper home. Only a conscious, well-considered decision will allow you to build a harmonious relationship based on trust and friendship. Before taking the final step, invest some time in learning, so that you can give your new pet a happy, healthy life by your side. After all, adopting an animal is not just a gift to them; it is a treasure for you as well.

Veterinary orthopaedics is an important branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system in our four-legged friends. Like people, dogs and cats can suffer a variety of injuries that affect their health and quality of life. In this article we discuss the most common orthopaedic injuries, their causes and the treatments available. This knowledge is extremely valuable for pet owners, helping them better understand their pets’ needs in terms of health and rehabilitation.

The most common orthopaedic injuries

Many owners wonder which orthopaedic injuries are most common in dogs and cats. Here are some of those seen most often:

• Fractures – broken bones are among the most common injuries. They can result from accidents such as falls, blows from other animals or any kind of intense physical activity. Fractures may be open, where the bone breaks through the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. Depending on the severity of the fracture, immobilisation in a cast or surgery may be required.
• Sprains and strains – joint sprains, such as a sprained hock, and muscle strains are common, particularly in active dogs. They can be caused by excessive loading, intense exertion or sudden changes of direction during play. Rest, cold compresses and pain relief are the standard treatments for these injuries.

• Joint disease – joints are essential for normal movement, and joint conditions such as arthritis can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Symptoms such as stiffness, difficulty getting up and avoiding activity should be a cause for concern. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary supplements and supportive therapies such as physiotherapy.
• Hip dysplasia – this genetic condition is particularly common in large dog breeds and involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to pain and restricted movement. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, which may include medication, rehabilitation and surgery.

How to recognise an orthopaedic injury: symptoms to watch for

Recognising an orthopaedic injury in a dog or cat can be crucial for prompt intervention and effective treatment. The first signs that should put us on alert are noticeable changes in the animal’s behaviour. After an injury, animals may become less active, avoid jumping or running, and lie down more often. An important sign is lameness: a noticeable difficulty in moving that may affect one or more limbs. Animals often try to take the weight off a painful limb, which can change their posture. Other symptoms include vocalising, such as whimpering or barking, especially when moving or when the injured area is touched. Further signs are swelling, redness or warmth around the injury, and reluctance to be touched there. Where joints are concerned, look out for restricted movement, stiffness and sometimes visible discomfort when the limbs are extended or flexed. 

What to do if you suspect an orthopaedic injury in your dog or cat?

When we notice signs of an orthopaedic injury in our pet, it is important to act promptly to keep the animal comfortable and safe. 

First of all, restrict the animal’s activity to avoid making the injury worse. Keeping your pet calm while it is transported to the vet is essential; you can limit its movement with a carrier or a lead. Whether the injury is fresh or not, never dismiss the symptoms: the sooner help is obtained, the better the chances of successful treatment.

At the vet’s, the animal will be thoroughly assessed, with a physical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays. The vet will determine the type of injury and propose appropriate treatment, which may be conservative or surgical depending on how serious the condition is.

If musculoskeletal problems are chronic, it is worth consulting a veterinary orthopaedic specialist. An orthopaedic specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and injuries that require advanced intervention. Such cases may include joint dysplasia, chronic inflammation and injuries that do not respond to conventional treatment. The specialist will carry out a series of detailed examinations and assess the animal’s condition in order to plan an appropriate treatment programme. This may involve medication and rehabilitation recommendations and, in some situations, surgical repair of joints or other anatomical structures. 

Treatment options 

Conservative treatment:

• Rest: restricting physical activity is key to recovery. Animals need peace and quiet to minimise the load on the injured limb or joint.
• Medication: painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and swelling. These may be over-the-counter products or medicines prescribed by the vet.
• Cold compresses: applying cold compresses to the injured area during the first 48 hours after the injury can help reduce swelling and pain.

Rehabilitation:

• Physiotherapy: a rehabilitation programme may include a range of techniques such as massage, manual therapy, laser therapy, hydrotherapy and strengthening exercises.
• Supplements: dietary supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health and speed up healing.

Surgery

• Orthopaedic surgery in dogs and cats is usually reserved for serious injuries that cannot be treated effectively by other means. Orthopaedic operations aim to restore normal musculoskeletal function, reduce pain and improve the animal’s quality of life. After every operation the vet will recommend an appropriate rehabilitation programme to help the animal recover. Rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and pain management, as well as supportive measures such as joint supplements. Regular check-ups at the vet are essential to monitor healing and adjust the treatment plan. The goal of orthopaedic surgery is to give our four-legged friends the best possible quality of life and restore their full mobility.

Summary

Orthopaedic treatment plays a key role in safeguarding the health and quality of life of dogs and cats. Early recognition of orthopaedic injuries such as fractures or joint disease, and taking the right steps, including conservative or surgical treatment, is extremely important. Surgery may be necessary for serious injuries, while effective rehabilitation supports recovery. Owner awareness and regular veterinary check-ups allow faster intervention and improve the animals’ comfort. With proper care, many injuries can be treated successfully, giving our pets back the joy of being active.