Winter hazards and rising vet costs – time to review your pet insurance?

Winter has a habit of catching pet owners out. One minute you are dealing with muddy paws and darker walks, the next you are worrying about icy pavements, freezing temperatures and whether your dog really needs that extra layer. Cold weather is part and parcel of life in the UK, but it can bring a few extra risks for our pets too.

Add in the fact that vet bills are rising faster than inflation, and even a fairly small winter mishap can end up costing far more than expected. That makes this a good time to think about both winter safety and whether your current cover still does what you need it to.

Winter weather: small problems that can snowball

Cold snaps do not just make mornings harder to get out of bed. They can create genuine hazards for animals. Slips on icy paths, pets getting soaked and chilled, or accidental contact with toxic substances like antifreeze and rock salt are all more common in winter. Unfortunately, many of these situations can lead to an unexpected trip to the vet.

Alongside the basics, there are a few often overlooked steps that can help reduce winter risks for pets:

• Watch paws and skin: Grit, ice and road salt can irritate paws and cause cracking. Wiping feet after walks can help prevent soreness and stop pets licking harmful residues.

• Adjust exercise routines: Darker evenings and icy surfaces may mean shorter or earlier walks. Reducing intensity during cold spells can help avoid slips, strains and joint issues.

• Be careful with heat sources: Radiators, fires and portable heaters can be tempting for pets but also pose burn risks. Make sure animals cannot get too close or knock heaters over.

• Check collars and microchips: Winter coats and harnesses can affect how collars fit. It is worth checking tags are secure and microchip details are up to date in case a pet goes missing.

• Look out for changes in behaviour: Shivering, reluctance to go outside or changes in appetite can all be signs a pet is struggling with the cold and may need extra warmth or a vet check.

Drying pets thoroughly after walks, keeping dogs well away from frozen lakes and ponds, and storing rock salt safely out of reach might seem obvious. But they are exactly the sort of small actions that can help avoid bigger problems later.

Don't forget outdoor pets

If you have pets that spend time outdoors, winter is when they need a bit of extra thought. Cold weather and icy conditions can make life harder for animals, especially those living outdoors or in less sheltered environments. Hutches, enclosures and sleeping areas that were fine in autumn may not be warm enough once temperatures really drop.

Once temperatures drop below 15°C (59°F), the RSPCA suggests moving smaller outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, inside. Where that is not possible, make sure hutches are well insulated and ventilated, packed with extra bedding, and raised at least 4in (10cm) off the ground. Placing them in a sheltered area with a sloping roof can help protect against wind and rain. Cats should always be able to access a warm, dry space, whether that is inside the house or a suitable outbuilding.

Even fish, birds and local wildlife can struggle during prolonged cold spells, with frozen ponds and limited food sources creating real risks. The RSPCA has been quick to highlight the risks during colder spells, including for livestock and wildlife, warning:

“Cold weather can be challenging for animals, especially those that are outside. A few simple steps – like giving pets extra bedding, preventing water from freezing, or leaving extra food for birds – can make a big difference. Small actions like these help keep our pets, livestock and wildlife safe, warm and comfortable during the colder days ahead.”

The not so fun part: rising vet bills

Keeping pets safe is always the priority, but it is also worth being realistic about the cost of treatment if something does go wrong. Veterinary fees have been increasing faster than inflation, driven by higher operating costs, more advanced treatments and – according to the BBC – big corporations buying up veterinary practices.

What used to be a relatively manageable bill for a limp, infection or winter related illness can now quickly run into the hundreds of pounds. Emergency appointments, which are more likely during icy or severe weather, can push costs up even further.

Is your pet insurance policy still doing the job?

If it has been a while since you last checked your pet insurance policy details, winter is a sensible prompt. A few things worth paying attention to include:

• Excess: How much you will need to pay towards a claim and whether this increases as your pet gets older.

• Co-payments: Whether you are expected to cover a percentage of the vet bill due to your pet’s age.

• Cover limits: Previous limits may not stretch as far as they once did given rising veterinary fees.

• Type of cover: Lifetime, time limited and accident only policies all work very differently if your pet needs ongoing treatment.

Remember, it’s not just about price. It is about whether the cover still feels right for your pet today.

Why winter is a good time to compare

Pet insurance may not be the most exciting thing on your to do list, but winter is often when its value becomes clearer. Comparing quotes can help you understand what is available now and whether your current policy still offers the right balance of cost and cover.

A few simple safety checks, along with a quick review of your cover, can help keep winter worries to a minimum. That leaves you free to focus on warm homes, staying safe on walks and the occasional muddy towel by the door.