As winter approaches, you are likely used to the tasks associated with winterizing your home and your vehicles. But have you considered how to keep pets safe in cold weather and what you need to do to prepare them for the harsh elements and cold temps that come along with this time of year?
Colder winter months and the busy holiday season can pose special health risks to pets. Help your special furry friends weather the winter by considering a few simple tips.
Consider the Temps
If it’s too cold for you, then it’s most likely too cold for your pet.
Some breeds have thick coats and fluffy fur that can help to keep them warm throughout the winter. However, breeds that have thin coats and short hair may need additional protection from the cold when you go outside on your adventures.
A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly while leaving plenty of room for moving around. Keep in mind, however, coats won’t prevent frostbite on the paws, ears or tail. Know the signs of when your pet is ready to go inside from the winter chill, such as whining, shivering or looking for places to burrow. These are all good indicators that it is time to go inside.
Protect Their Paws
Just like dry and cold weather can damage your skin, the same can be done on your dog’s skin and paws during the winter months. You can help to moisturize their cracked paws and dry skin with coconut oil, either fed regularly as a supplement or by applying topically to their paws, ears or tail if they are becoming dry and crackly.
If your dog has furry feet, trim the hair that grows between their pads to prevent any ice buildup between the pads while walking around in the snow. Remember to rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt after walks around the neighborhood since winter salt can burn your dog’s pads and is toxic. If your pup shows signs of discomfort while walking outside on frozen or salted surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect those paws.
Also keep in mind that paws, like human hands and faces, are susceptible to frostbite so it is important to remove caked ice from your dog’s feet as soon as possible. Frostbitten skin may turn color, becoming reddish, gray, or white, and may become scaly and begin peeling. If you suspect frostbite, thaw out the affected areas slowly using warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage.
Be Cautious with Chemicals
Salt and other chemicals that are used to melt snow and ice have varying degrees of toxicity. Their effects depend upon the ingredients and the amount ingested. These chemicals also can burn the pads of a pet’s feet. If the pet then licks its feet to clean them, the mouth may be burned too. Wipe your pet’s feet off with a damp towel after any exposure and be sure to read the labels of the products you use, and take all recommended precautions.
Take Extra Care with Senior Pets
Winter can be especially harder for our senior pets since cold weather can aggravate existing medical conditions, particularly arthritis. If your dog has arthritis, it’s very important to keep up an exercise routine to help keep their joints from getting stiff but be extremely mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your furry friend has a warm, soft rest area to recuperate after engaging in activities.
As you and your family prepare to face the winter, remember to take a little extra time to prepare your pets, as well. Like us, our pets need to be cared for during the change of seasons and it’s important for all pet owners to understand the dangers that winter can bring for their favorite furry companions. By considering a few simple tips on how to keep pets safe in cold weather, you can help your special furry friends weather the winter months and the challenges they bring.
