By Dr. Stacy
The first tip I always tell my clients is that if it feels too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet! Remaining indoors when it gets extremely cold is crucial to preventing hypothermia.
If walking is part of your daily routine, you should shorten these walks. Senior pets and pets with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease, will have greater difficulty regulating their body temperature in sub-freezing temperatures. When going outside, ensure your pet has a jacket to keep them warm and booties to prevent contact with salts and other chemicals that can harm them. If your pet doesn’t tolerate booties, applying a thin layer of petroleum-based ointment, such as Vaseline, to your pet’s paws can help, too. Even with booties and ointments, I still recommend wiping your pet’s paws with a clean cloth when returning home to ensure no ice, snow, or salt remains between your pet’s toes, which can cause irritation.
It’s also important to remember that not all ice-melting salts are safe for animal paws. Some salts cause contact reactions on the pet’s paw pads and can be toxic when ingested, either directly or by licking their paws to clean them when they come inside. Please make sure any salts you use indicate on the packaging that they are pet-friendly before you use them.
As you winter-proof your car, it is important to remember that antifreeze is lethal to your pet. The active ingredient of antifreeze, ethylene glycol, tastes sweet and will tempt your pet to ingest it. This chemical breaks down in your pet’s body and leads to permanent kidney failure and even death. Be sure not to spill antifreeze when filling it in your car.
Finally, if you have an arthritic pet, you may notice they show a stiffer gait or have trouble rising from a sitting position when it gets cold.
Please schedule a wellness exam with one of our veterinarians to discuss treatment options or adjust your pet’s medications to ensure they are comfortable throughout the winter. Colder months also are typically drier and can lead them to develop itchy, flaky skin. Starting your pet on fish oils daily and limiting bathing can help combat dry skin.
Winter can still be a fun time for you and your pets outdoors. Please remember these tips to ensure your pet stays healthy!
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