Top 10 winter safety tips for your pets:
- Put a coat/sweater on them: if you have a shorter haired dog or small breed dog, keep them warm with a sweater. If you have a large breed dog with longer hair avoid shaving them at this time of year.
- Clean up antifreeze: antifreeze can be sweet tasting so pets tend to like it. This can be fatal so make sure to clean up any spills. Look for an antifreeze that is made with propylene glycol.
- Don’t overfeed: it can be hard to get out as much in the winter months so try not to feed them out of boredom.
- Protect the paws: salt and cold weather can do damage to sensitive paw pads. You can use booties to protect them. Make sure to wipe off the paws when they come back inside to get rid of excess road salt, ice, or debris.
- Keep ID tags up to date: in case they get lost or scared by festive activities, you can get them back safely. Look into microchipping your pet.
- Stay hydrated: keep their water dish full of fresh, unfrozen water.
- Beware of festive decorations: mistletoe and poinsettias can be fatal if ingested so keep these away from your pet. Decorations can be ingested so make sure your pet can’t reach them.
- Check under the hood: outdoor cats tend to like the warmth of the car engine so make sure to check before you start your car.
- Stock up on supplies: weather emergencies can leave your family isolated. Make sure to have enough food, water and any medications your pet may need.
- Don’t leave pets in a car: even in the winter, your car can act like a refrigerator trapping the cold air and possibly causing hypothermia.
Written by KR