How to keep your pets safe this winter
Nov 14, 2016; 6:38 AM ET Winter weather is coming. Be sure to follow these tips to keep furry friends safe from winter's hazardous conditions.
As their owner, your pets rely on you to keep them safe during all times of the year. However, this can be a little more challenging during the winter months, which can pose several possible dangers to the health of your pets. Here are some of the things you can do to keep your companions safe.
Photo by Kameron Kincade
Never Leave Them Outside In The Cold
If it is freezing outside, you should not leave your pet out there for long. Give them time to do their business and then bring them right back inside. Although most pet owners occasionally forget that they have left their pets outside, you need to be more vigilant during the winter to ensure this does not happen. Even if your dog is an outdoor dog or you usually let your cat out at night, avoid doing this if the temperatures are going to be too cold. Your beloved companions can freeze to death in subzero temperatures. Be in tune with the local weather forecast to know when inclement weather conditions are coming so you can be sure to bring your pets inside.
Photo by Benjamin Lambert
Take Precautions While Walking
Your dog may love his walks, but going outside when it's cold requires some preparation. Sweaters and boots meant for animals can help keep your pet from getting too cold during his walk. Use reflective gear and lights if you will be out after dark, which comes earlier during the wintertime. Snow getting trapped in paw pads and in between the toes is a significant risk as it can lead to frostbite. Avoid ice of all kinds as dogs can easily slip and injure themselves, or even die if they fall through ice into freezing water. Once you return from your walk, be sure to wipe all snow off your pet, including their paws. If the weather is too cold, you should refrain from walking your dog altogether.
Ensure Proper Heater Usage
Caged animals such as fish and reptiles cannot regulate their own body temperature and are thus reliant on heaters to stay alive and healthy. While heat lamps may not be needed in the summer, they almost certainly will be in winter. Don't forget to set up these heaters and ensure habitat temperatures are optimal. Putting these heaters on a timer can be an excellent solution to ensuring they are on when they need to be. You should have a generator or other heat source to use in an emergency if your power goes out. Fish and reptiles who get too cold, either once or who stay too cold for prolonged periods, can get sick or even die.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema
Make Proper Pet Care Arrangements While You Are Away
Some of the biggest holidays are during the winter, and many people travel to visit family during this time. You need to make sure your pets cared for during your absence. If your pets have medical issues, boarding them at your veterinarian's office might be the best choice. This will allow them to have immediate access to care if needed. Remember to make arrangements as early as possible because boarding space fills up quickly around the holidays. Also, make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccines as most facilities will not allow your pet to board there if she is not. Contagious diseases such as kennel cough can spread more quickly during winter, which makes prevention even more critical.
Watch Out For Toxins
Several substances that are poisonous to many pets are commonly used during the winter. You need to make sure these harmful substances stay out of reach. One of these is antifreeze, which has a sweet taste that often entices puppies or even adult dogs and cats to consume it. Rock salt, commonly used on roads and sidewalks to melt ice during the winter, can also cause poisoning. Dogs sometimes eat it off the ground or lick it off their paws. It is common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, especially rich chocolate that is often used in holiday baking. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is also deadly, particularly to dogs. It causes low blood sugar, which can be fatal. If you suspect your pet has gotten into something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The winter months can pose several health risks for your beloved pets. Be sure to take the appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of something terrible happening. Your animal companions will be grateful for your vigilance and care.
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