Winter Pet Tips
- Wipe Those Feet! — Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can burn paw pads. Be sure to wipe your pet's feet after coming indoors to remove any chemicals so your pet will not ingest them. Ingesting chemicals used in snow melt can cause an upset stomach. Consider using alternative products to melt ice that are safe for your pet.
- Antifreeze — Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. However, pets love the sweet taste of antifreeze. If you keep antifreeze in the garage, consider purchasing a pet friendly brand in case it spills and your pet comes into contact with it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Since neighbors may not be as careful, do not allow your pet to lick anything from driveways or roadways. If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Staying Outside in the Cold — When you're outside with your pets during the winter, you can watch them for signs of discomfort with the cold. If they whine, shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop moving, or start to look for warm places to burrow, they're saying they want to get back someplace warm. Some animals can remain outside safely longer in the winter than others.
Pets that live outdoors may need additional food to sustain body temperature as well. Please check with your veterinarian to decide if your pet needs additional nutritional intake.
- Frostbite — Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. He/she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
- Off Leash in the Winter — Dogs tend to lose their sense of smell in extremely cold weather and become lost. Believe it or not, winter has the highest rates for lost dogs! Regardless, pet ID tags are a necessity all year round. Pets may become disoriented if separated from you in a storm or while out running in the snow.
- Pets Need Fresh Water — Make sure the water is not frozen during this time of year. Contrary to what some people think, not all animals know how to break the ice. Heated pet bowls are a solution to keep your pet's water from freezing.
- Emergencies/Power Outages — Do you have the following close by in the event of a power outage or emergency?
- Pet food
- Litter
- Fresh water supply
- Soft warm bedding
- Any medications your pet takes on a regular basis
- Cars for Warmth — During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If you have strays in your area, knock loudly on the hood before starting your engine. Keep your companion cat(s) inside.