Winter weather poses risks for any pets who spend time outside. Although some dogs like to play in the snow, winter conditions can become dangerous quickly.
Pets need to keep warm and have an unfrozen supply of water. In case you cannot get out due to poor road conditions, always make sure you have enough food, medicine, litter, treats, and fresh water to last a few days until conditions improve. Coats help your pet stay warm and boots protect their feet from frost bite, ice build up, and deicing chemicals. Short-haired breeds, elderly, young, or animals with health conditions are more susceptible to the harsh winter conditions and benefit from a coat and boots. Dogs may not like to wear boots at first, but can get used to the feel of having them on. If your dog, or you, do not want to get used to using boots, make sure to clip the fur between the foot pads. Clipping the pad fur reduces the amount of snow and ice that can accumulate. Accumulated ice makes walking painful and can cut the toe pads. The pads of the feet may also dry out and crack in the dry air due to indoor heating. To help keep the pads hydrated use petroleum jelly or a balm made for dog foot pads. Using a humidifier helps keep the air and foot pads hydrated. During very frigid times, dogs should be taken out only to relieve themselves. Exercise and enrichment then need to be done inside. After a walk or play in the snow, make sure to wipe your dog’s feet, legs, and belly to remove ice, salt, or other ice-melt chemicals. Any ice clinging to the feet should be gently removed with warm fingers or dipping each paw in a container of warm, not hot, water. Then wipe the feet dry. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, immediately take her inside and gently warm the area. To do this, warm a towel in a dryer. Make sure it is not too hot. Apply the warm towel to the affected area. Do not squeeze or rub the area. Seek veterinary attention to ensure there is no permanent damage and to get pain medication, if needed. Petmed.com has information on frostbite and hypothermia. Common areas to get frost bitten are the nose, ears, and feet. Snow and ice melt chemicals and antifreeze are common toxins dogs may be exposed to in the winter. At home, use an animal-friendly ice melt. Be careful on the ice melt you buy. Some ice melt products that are labeled as dog safe contain unsafe ingredients. Dogs Naturally Magazine offers a downloadable pdf on safe ice melt products. While out on a walk with your dog, do not let him drink from puddles that may contain chemicals. If you must keep your dog outside in the winter, bring him indoors when temperatures dip below freezing. Dogs must have a dog house or shelter big enough for the dog to stand up in, to turn around, and to stretch. However, the shelter should not be too large that it cannot retain heat. A wind flap should cover the door to prevent wind from entering the shelter. Bedding such as straw should be thick enough to keep the cold from the ground reaching your dog. Remember that your dog or cat is a domesticated animal and needs protection from the elements in the winter. If you have any questions about frostbite, hypothermia, or how to protect your pet in the winter, seek advice from your veterinarian. Pet Med.com offers information on ice melt products an dhow to keep your pet safe in the winter Photos: Photo by Yuki Dog on Unsplash 3/6/2019 11:34:19 pm
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