Dogs Trust Manchester urges owners to protect their pets from winter hazards

As temperatures plunge across Greater Manchester, Dogs Trust Manchester is urging dog owners to take extra precautions to keep their four-legged friends safe from seasonal dangers such as grit, rock salt, and antifreeze.

With snow, rain, and icy conditions already affecting parts of the UK, the charity warns that substances commonly used to make roads and pavements safer for people can cause painful and potentially serious health issues in dogs.

Rock salt and grit, spread widely in cold weather, can irritate dogs’ paw pads. The abrasive mixture can cause soreness, cracking, burns, dryness, redness, and even bleeding. These substances also pose a risk if ingested.

Dogs may lick their paws after a walk, swallowing small amounts of salt in the process. This can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. In larger quantities, salt can cause more severe symptoms such as excessive thirst, tremors, seizures, kidney damage, or even coma.

To prevent problems, Dogs Trust advises owners to check their dog’s paws after every walk, wiping away any salt or grit and taking care to clean between the toes.

The charity is also issuing a strong warning about antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical used in de-icers, screen wash, and car engines. Even tiny amounts can cause fatal poisoning in pets.

Worryingly, antifreeze has a sweet taste, making it appealing to dogs if it spills on driveways or roads. Once ingested, it can trigger acute kidney failure and severe neurological issues. Early symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, unsteadiness, rapid breathing, increased thirst and urination, and muscle twitching or seizures.

Dog owners who suspect their pet has consumed antifreeze are urged to contact a vet immediately. Rapid treatment is crucial and can be lifesaving.

Charlie Dobson, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: “Many dogs love to walk, regardless of the weather. But winter brings with it some hidden dangers for dogs. With freezing weather forecast, we’re sure to see the gritters out to make our roads and pavements safe for people, but grit can be problematic for dogs.

“Many people don’t realise that the salt and grit spread on roads can irritate a dog’s paws and, if licked off, can cause stomach upset or even poisoning. Simply checking and wiping your dog’s paws after a winter walk can go a long way in preventing issues.

“Antifreeze is also extremely dangerous for dogs, and other pets, because even a small amount can lead to serious, often fatal, health issues. Unfortunately, because it has a sweet taste it can be particularly enticing to pets.

“The best way to protect your dog is to keep all antifreeze and de-icing products securely stored, avoid using them around your dog, and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect they’ve ingested any.”

Dogs Trust has shared guidance to help owners keep their pets safe, warm, and happy during wintry conditions:

1. Stay warm – Short-haired, elderly, and young dogs may struggle with the cold. Limit time outdoors and consider a well-fitted winter coat.
2. Keep dogs on the lead – Snow can be disorientating, increasing the risk of dogs becoming lost. Ensure collars, ID tags, and microchip details are up to date.
3. Avoid frozen water – Icy ponds and lakes may not support a dog’s weight, posing a serious drowning risk.
4. Increase visibility – Wear high-visibility clothing and use reflective collars, leads, or coats as daylight hours reduce.
5. Check equipment – Winter weather can damage leads, collars, and harnesses; cold temperatures also make clips harder to fasten.
6. Try indoor activities – Games like hide and seek, scent-based “find it” challenges, and food-releasing toys can keep dogs stimulated when outdoor time is limited.

For more advice on keeping pets safe during the colder months, visit Dogs Trust’s winter guidance pages at: www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/cold-weather-advice