As temperatures drop, autumn and winter bring a predictable rise in pet emergencies — most of them preventable.

With 36.5 million pets living in UK households, cold‑weather risks affect many families in Pulborough and the wider Arun Valley.

From antifreeze poisonings to grit‑burned paws, the cold season is when small lapses can quickly become emergencies.

Winter Risks to Pets: What the Data Shows

• Antifreeze poisonings rise sharply every winter. Ethylene glycol — found in car antifreeze — is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Even a teaspoon can be fatal.
• Grit and road salt cause chemical burns, cracked pads, and inflammation in dogs.
• Cold stress in small pets is common: frozen water bottles, damp hutches, and inadequate insulation lead to hypothermia.
• Cats sheltering under car bonnets is a well‑documented winter behaviour, increasing risk of injury when engines start.
• Birds and reptiles are vulnerable to sudden temperature drops and heating failures, especially during power cuts.
• Horses and chickens face mud fever, frostbite on combs, and frozen water supplies.

With 62% of UK households owning pets, these seasonal hazards could affect almost every street in Pulborough.

Species-by-Species Winter Problems

Dogs

• Grit/salt paw burns
• Antifreeze exposure
• Ice‑related slips and injuries

Cats

• Antifreeze poisoning
• Hiding under car bonnets
• Cold stress for outdoor cats

Rabbits

• Frozen water bottles
• Damp bedding
• Draughty or poorly insulated hutches

 

Guinea Pigs

• Extremely vulnerable to cold — not suited to outdoor living in UK winters

Birds

• Draughts and sudden temperature drops
• Stress during power cuts

Reptiles

• Vivarium temperature crashes due to lamp or power failure

Horses

• Mud fever
• Lack of shelter
• Frozen water troughs

Chickens

• Frostbite on combs
• Damp coops
• Frozen drinkers

Why Winter Is Dangerous: Behavioural Shifts

Pets naturally:

• Seek warm, enclosed spaces
• Drink less indoors (risking dehydration)
• Eat more to maintain body temperature
• Shiver, especially short‑haired breeds
• Groom more to maintain coat insulation

These behaviours can mask early signs of illness, making owner vigilance essential.

Practical Winter Guidance for Pulborough Owners

1. Prevent Poisonings

• Store antifreeze securely and clean spills immediately.
• Lock away household cleaning products
• Ensure medicines are kept out of reach
• Check houseplants regularly for signs of chewing
• Keep Christmas foods — chocolate, mince pies, raisins — out of reach. December sees the UK’s highest spike in food‑related pet poisonings.

 

2. Protect Paws

• Rinse dogs’ paws after walks to remove grit and salt.
• Check between toes for cracks or redness.
• Consider boots for elderly or thin‑coated dogs.

3. Keep Small Pets Warm

• Insulate rabbit hutches: dry, draught‑free, raised off the ground.
• Check water twice daily to ensure it hasn’t frozen.
• Move guinea pigs indoors — they cannot cope with UK winter temperatures.

4. Check for Cats Before Starting Cars

• Look under the car
• Tap the bonnet
• Check wheel arches

5. Indoor Pets

• Provide warm resting spots away from draughts.
• Ensure constant access to fresh water — heated homes can dehydrate pets.

6. Outdoor Animals

Horses: provide shelter from wind/rain, unfrozen water, and adequate forage.

Chickens: keep coops dry and ventilated; check combs for frostbite.

7. Extreme Weather

• Avoid walking dogs on frozen ponds.
• Prepare for power cuts: backup heat sources for reptiles and indoor birds.

Local Emergency Contacts

• RSPCA 24‑hour emergencies: 0300 1234 999
• Poisoning emergencies (Animal PoisonLine): 01202 509000

Local vets:

Arun Veterinary Group, Pulborough – 01798 872 089

Reporting Animal Concerns

• RSPCA: injured or distressed animals: call: 0300 1234 999.
• West Sussex County Council: livestock, strays, public‑space hazards call: 033 022 22400
• Sussex Wildlife Trust: local wildlife issues call: 01273 492630

Be Vigilant

With millions of pets relying on us, winter care is a community responsibility. Pulborough’s pet owners can make a huge difference with simple, consistent habits that keep animals safe, warm and healthy until spring.