Winter Hazards For Pets

There are many winter hazards for pets- some we think of often and others are not as obvious. Outlined below are some of the most common winter hazards and how to avoid them.

Cold Temperatures

Nova Scotia sees frigid temperatures during the winter months and it is important to protect our pets accordingly. Keeping pets well groomed is important. Matted fur will not protect from the cold. If it is necessary to keep pets outside, be sure to provide them with a well insulated, draft free enclosure. Check to make sure that the pets water source does not freeze. Symptoms of pets with arthritis may worsen in the winter months. Cold and damp weather can aggravate joints and muscles causing lameness, trouble getting up and lying down, difficulty going up and down stairs and/or crying out when picked up. It is important to never medicate a pet with a human prescription. If your pet seems painful, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Frostbite is a serious concern for pets. Animals can easily suffer damage to their ears and tails. Also beware that in cold temperatures cats like to hide under the hoods of cars to attempt to escape the cold. Giving your car hood a hit before starting your car is a good habit to get into during the winter months. It's also important not to leave pets in the car on cold days- cars are able to hold cold air.

Anti Freeze

Also known as ethylene glycol, antifreeze is one of winters most dangerous substances. Often left unattended accidentally or spilled on the driveway, the sweet taste and smell lures both dogs and cats in to taste the deadly liquid. Signs of ingestion can occur as quickly as one hour post ingestion and can include vomiting, stumbling and depression.

Staying Fit

Winter is no excuse for overweight pets! It is equally important for pets to keep fit during the winter months. It may be necessary to shorten the exercise time if your pet gets winded, the snow is too deep or if the walking conditions are icy. Be sure to rinse paws off when exercised in an area where deicers are used as they can cause damage if the paws are licked and deicer is ingested. If exercising less, it may be necessary to cut back on food intake. If doing this, it is important to take your pet in to your veterinarian for regular weigh in's to insure that the pet is staying at a healthy weight.

Other Tips

Be sure to keep snow from building up around fencing as it allows dogs to jump a fence more easily.

Be aware that snow makes a road narrower so be careful when walking dogs in areas without sidewalks. Always walk a dog on the inside (closest to the curb) as to not allow them to wander into the road accidentally. If walking at night, a reflective coat is a good idea.