Winter pet safety

Baby, it’s cold outside! Whether you relish the fluffy flakes of a winter wonderland or bemoan the incessant shoveling, sludge and sub-zero temps, there’s no way to avoid it — winter comes around every year.

While ’tis the season for health experts to offer plenty of advice on how people can avoid winter accidents and injuries — everything from spills on the ice to heart attacks while shoveling — we mustn’t forget about our four-legged companions. Pets may be heartier than their hairless human caretakers, but make sure your clients understand potential winter hazards and how to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe this time of year.

An ounce of prevention

Before the full force of winter sets in, advise your clients to take these preventative measures:

• Bring ‘em in: The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests animals have a veterinary wellness exam before winter if they haven’t yet been examined this year. Cold weather can exacerbate conditions like arthritis.

• Double-check collars and chips: The effects of cold temperatures on a lost pet can be devastating, so have clients make sure their pets are microchipped, with tags up-to-date and collars in good condition.

   

• Pet-proof indoors: Since everyone will be spending more time hunkered down inside, make sure medicines, toxic foods and chemicals are put away. Watch out for space heaters and decorations that can be knocked over and start a fire.

   

• Be ready for anything: Blizzards, ice storms and power outages happen. Families should have emergency kits that also include food, water and prescription medications (at least a week’s worth) for their furry friends.

Walk wisely

While dogs still need to get out for daily exercise (and many do love to romp in the snow), care should be taken to ensure Spot stays well in harsher weather:

• Keep ‘em leashed: Paws.org warns that more dogs are lost during winter than any other season. They can lose their scent trails and become disoriented, causing them to panic and run away.
• Consider a coat: The shorter-haired, thinner or sicker among our companions may need an extra layer of protection against the elements.
• Paw protection: Remove salt, snow crystals and caked-on mud immediately after returning home (checking for cracks or bleeding) and keep hair trimmed between toes to prevent build-up. A layer of Vaseline on paws can add protection before walks. Remember to wipe it off afterwards.
• Stay off the ice: Avoid walking on frozen ponds, lakes or rivers. It’s hazardous to humans as well as our best friends. An instinct to save a pet should he fall through ice can be deadly.

Indoors is best

Dogs and cats should both be kept inside during the winter, with a warm, non-drafty place to sleep. They are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, just like us. If your client does have an outdoor dog, make sure the dog has access to shelter, non-frozen water, and thick, dry bedding. Just as in summer, owners should never leave a pet alone in the car!

Be proactive about antifreeze

Antifreeze is lethal to pets, even in small amounts, and animals are attracted to its sweet taste. Clean up spills immediately and consider using products that contain propylene glycol instead of the traditional ethylene glycol. Wiping paws, limbs and bellies after a walk is a good practice to avoid antifreeze poisoning and the hazardous chemicals in salt and other deicers, too.

Look out for uninvited passengers

Cats (pets with garage access or strays) are known to hide under cars, crawling into wheel wells and even snuggling up by engines to stay warm during the winter. Take a look, make loud noises and knock on the hood if a feline may be hanging around a vehicle.

Avoid holiday overindulgence

Our waistlines have a tendency to expand in the winter, and our pets’ waistlines can, too! Encourage your clients to monitor their pet’s weight and food intake while they are less active in winter and ask if they have any questions about calorie requirements.

Know the warning signs

Finally, make sure your clients know these warning signs of hypothermia in a pet that’s been outdoors in the cold:

• Weak pulse
• Dilated pupils
• Whining, extreme shivering or slowed movement
• Stupor or unconsciousness
• Body temperature below 95 degrees

Hypothermia can cause coma, heart problems or kidney failure, so pet owners should consult a veterinarian right away.

Whether they have a Husky that happily frolics through snowstorms, or a princess pup who’d rather be carried across sludgy puddles in their arms, helping your clients understand winter hazards and their pet’s tolerances can make a huge difference in their well-being and safety in all types of weather.

Covetrus carries the supplies you need to run a successful veterinary practice. For ordering information, contact your representative at 855.724.3461 or online.

Sources

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

https://www.paws.org/library/pet-info/pet-care/cold-weather-tips/

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/keeping-pets-safe-cold-weather