With the cooler season fast approaching, keep in mind these few tips to help keep your pet warm and comfortable for this season!
Frostbite: Frostbite can start in within a few minutes of being out in the cold, that’s right just minutes! Please do not leave your furry companions out in the cool vehicles while running errands, or leaving them outside unattended for long periods of time. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or sadly killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death. Just because they have fur does not make it any different. Yes, some dogs love the snow, but please ensure their comfort. You can use properly fitted jackets/ sweaters, and even booties for their paws. Salt can make the pads of the feet become irritated, which in turn can lead to excessive chewing and licking causing problems on the pads of the feet; Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt, and chemicals. Check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your house can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside to remove any snow build up.
Winter wellness: Book a wellness exam to speak with your Veterinarian and ask any questions about your aging pet and cold weather concerns. Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure they are ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.
Poisons: Antifreeze is toxic to cats, be advised if you have an indoor-outdoor cat to make sure your vehicle is not leaking this green sweet-smelling fluid. If your cat comes in contact with this contact your veterinary clinic ASAP, this poison attacks the kidneys. Another winter toxin: hand and feet warmers, so keep these away from your pets.
Keep an eye on the weather, with storms it can be hard to leave and get what is needed for your pet always have an adequate supply of food, litter and their medications for your pet. Call ahead to make sure these are ready in advance.
Know your pet’s limits, take shorter walks.
Written by Laura Critch, VA
