Winter Safety Tips
Along with the snow, winter may come with a number of dangers to your pet, including cold temperatures and chemical hazards. Just because your pet has a “fur coat” doesn't mean they’re ready all winter weather either; temperatures below freezing along with wind chill can be dangerous and even deadly. Keep your pets safe this winter with these 7 winter safety tips:
- Don’t leave your pet in the car while running errands. Though we often hear about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars during summer months, winter can be just as dangerous. Avoid leaving your dog in the car, even for brief periods of time, as temperatures below 50°F can lead to hypothermia, especially in small dogs.
- Bundle up—both yourself and your dog! On cold days, you bundle up with a coat, hat, mitts and maybe a scarf and snow pants too! Buy your dog a weatherproof coat—especially if your dog has a short haircoat—and consider a snood to protect your dog’s ears too! Booties will help keep your dog’s feet warm and protect those tender toes from snow and de-icing products!
- Outdoor dogs need an insulated doghouse that’s elevated a few inches above the ground to prevent moisture from accumulating inside. Cover the floor with carpeting, a blanket or a padded bed. Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to keep warm, so speak to your veterinarian about a specific dietary recommendation and portions to ensure your pet is receiving enough calories. Provide access to fresh water at all times by using heated water bowls. Aside from cold-weather breeds like the husky or Samoyed, that are acclimatized to outdoor living in the winter, most dogs can’t tolerate the cold and should be housed indoors in the winter. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.
- Use booties or paw wax to protect your pet’s delicate paws from the elements and harsh deicing chemicals on sidewalks and streets. When returning from a walk, towel dry your pet’s feet, removing any snow or ice balls that may have formed between their toes and wipe away deicer residue. Check your pet for frostbite (examine their ears and tail, as well as their toes) for blanched, pale or blue skin. Frostbite may also appear as raw or blistered skin or may feel firm to the touch. Frostbite can be very painful so be gentle and never rub the skin to warm it up. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect frostbite.
- Go on shorter walks when the temperatures dip. While it’s different for every dog based on their age, health condition, haircoat and size, generally speaking when the temperatures dip below 20°F, it’s too cold for walks longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Always factor in the windchill and whether it’s snowing—getting wet from snow will quickly lower your dog’s body temperature and increases the risk of frostbite. Watch for signs of hypothermia, like increased whining, anxiety, shivering and weakness. If your dog is asking to go back in or refusing to walk, it’s time to head indoors.
- Anti-freeze, also known as ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste that many animals are attracted to. Unfortunately, it only takes a small amount of antifreeze to cause permanent, fatal damage to the kidneys. Store antifreeze in tightly closed containers out of reach of pets and wipe up spills right away. If your pet ingests any antifreeze, seek emergency care immediately so that an antidote can be given to minimize kidney injury.
- Check the hood of your car and wheel wells for cats that may have searched out a warm place to sleep. Always knock on the hood of your car and allow some time for any stowaway cats to run away before starting your engine.
Enjoy the fresh fallen snow with your pet and don't worry, spring will be here before you know it!
Browse our veterinarian-approved shampoos and conditioners to help relieve dry, itchy skin caused by the cold wintery air. >>
