There are many health and safety concerns for our pets during the winter season.
Winter weather can pose a threat to your pet's health.
Provide outside pets with adequate shelter to protect them from bitter winds and precipitation. This will prevent hypothermia and frost bite. Insulated homes are ideal and should be heavily bedded with straw or wood shavings such as cedar chips.
The bedding should be checked daily and be replaced if it becomes wet or soiled.
Fresh water needs to be accessible at all times. There are a variety of heated water containers available.
Cats will sometimes seek refuge in warm places such as the engine housing of a car. Serious injuries can occur when the car is started. Knocking on the hood of your car before starting the engine can be a life saver.
Salts and chemicals used on roads and sidewalks can put your pet's paws at risk. To prevent paws from sores and discomfort, be sure to wipe paws thoroughly with warm water after exposure to these substances.
Use extreme caution when using antifreeze. Because of its sweet taste, pets are attracted to it right away. Licking a very small amount can cause kidney failure or even death. Take extra caution to promptly and thoroughly clean any antifreeze that may have been spilled or leaked from a vehicle immediately. Antifreeze is very toxic if ingested.
One of the highlights of wintertime is the holiday season. We often get busy in the hustle and bustle of things and forget that our pets like to celebrate too.
Holiday chocolates and other candies and treats can be dangerous to our beloved pets. Please keep these temptations out of reach of nosy pets looking for a taste of the holidays.
Decorated Christmas trees can be a frustration to you and harmful to your pet. Unsecured trees may be knocked over. Ornaments, light strands, tinsel and ribbon also pose risks such as choking, electrocution, and intestinal obstruction. Chemically treated water that is used for real trees may even be harmful if ingested by your pet.
Some holiday plants are poisonous and caution should be taken to prevent access to them Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are some of the most common holiday plants to keep out of their reach.
Some pets may become stressed during holiday parties. To relieve their anxiety, consider separating them from the gathering by crating or boarding may be necessary.
Visitors/Company may accidentally allow pets to escape.
Some commercially available pet toys can be hazardous, especially if pieces can be broken off and swallowed or if they have strings attached to them.
Boarding/Grooming reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially during the holiday season.
Keep vaccinations up to date to protect your pet in case you have the need for emergency boarding.
During the winter season.
Remember to continue to keep your cats and dogs on their heartworm prevention.
Maintain the pet's normal routine as much as possible to prevent anxiety.
Bored pets may exhibit destructive behaviors. Continue to provide exercise and adequate playtime during the holiday and cold weather season. Leaving calming music playing and leaving safe toys such as Kongs may help keep your pet occupied while you are away.
Using moisturizing sprays such as Hylyt Spray, oral 3V skin formula capsules, or running a humidifier in the home can alleviate dry skin.
Using car seats or seat belts during car travel will help keep your dog safe during vehicle travel. Cats should be secured in a pet carrier.
Table foods, especially those high in fat, can cause a serious gastroenteritis or pancreatitis, which can even be life threatening.
We hope that these highlights have helped you prevent your pet from winter injuries. Please feel free to contact us with further information or questions. Please remember to visit our site as the weather begins to warm for springtime seasonal tips.
