Feb 02 2009
Winter Safety Tips For Fido
Looks like we have at least six more weeks of winter to go. For some of us, that means snow and freezing temperatures. For others, lots of rain (hopefully). Until the sun is a bit higher in the sky and the days are a little bit warmer/longer, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has some tips to ensure our furry friends stay safe and warm.
1. Wash and dry your pet’s feet after any time outside to remove ice, salt and chemicals from ice-melting agents—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
2. Take a towel with you on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws instead of waiting until you get home.
3. Dress your pet in a sweater or coat to help him/her retain body heat and prevent skin from getting dry. If your dog will tolerate it, booties will help minimize contact with salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze and chemical de-icers.
4. Massage petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside to form a barrier against salt and chemical agents. Repeat after toweling off to prevent chapped paw skin.
5. Trim long-haired dogs to minimize ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals becoming trapped in hair (don’t forget the hair between the toes!).
6. Keep your home humidified to prevetn dry skin, and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in between the toes.
7. Bathe your pooch as little as possible during the winter to avoid the removal of essential oils and increased chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
8. Brushing your pet regularly not only gets rid of dead hair, but also stimulates blood circulation, improving the skin’s overall condition.
9. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime, sometimes causing dehydration. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help to keep her well-hydrated, and her skin less dry.
10. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Animal companions should remain indoors as much as possible during the winter months and never be left alone in vehicles when the mercury drops.
