As the weather gets colder, with temperatures dipping into the teens at night and winds blowing, pets are especially vulnerable. Just like humans, pets need extra protection and owners should take some precautions to keep dogs and cats safe and healthy during those chilly winter months. The number one rule for winter pet health: Keep them warm.
Cats in Winter
To keep your favorite feline safe this winter it’s best to keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or stolen, injured or even killed. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. Before you start your motor, bang loudly on the car hood to give the cat a chance to escape. Also, never leave your dog or cat in a car during cold weather. If the engine is off they can die from hypothermia; if the engine is left running, they can be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes.
“The number one rule for winter pet health: Keep them warm.”
Dogs in Winter
Never let your dog off its leash on snow or ice during the winter months and especially during a snowstorm; they can lose their scent and easily become lost. To reduce chances of frostbite when it snows or becomes icy, wipe off your dog’s paws, legs and stomach when he comes inside. By licking their paws, dogs can ingest de-icing chemicals, salt or poisonous antifreeze, so please clean your pups paws thoroughly.
Try to leave your dog’s coat longer in winter to provide more warmth. Good grooming during winter is especially important because a coat that is well maintained is well insulated. To keep fur and fitness in top shape, increase your dog’s food supply and particularly his protein intake if your dog is a working dog or spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities. Also remember to check your pets’ outdoor water containers frequently and remove any ice.
Winter Pet Safety: Dehydration and Fire Safety
Just like humans, during the colder weather pets are much more susceptible to health issues. As long as you are prepared and follow these tips your pet should make it through the winter in fine condition.
Surprisingly, pets can often become dehydrated in winter. Make certain they always have plenty of fresh water available. Just like us, pets are more likely to become sick in winter. If your pet is listless, lethargic or experiences symptoms of illness such as coughing, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
“Surprisingly, pets can often become dehydrated in winter.”
Be sure your pets stay away from all heat sources as wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters can cause severe burns to your companion. And, before giving your dog over-the-counter pet medications, be sure to consult your veterinarian. Some medications should not be given because of concurrent health issues or allergies.
Keeping Pets Healthy through the Holidays
The holidays can be a fun and safe time for all, and all holidays are even better when pets are a part of the celebration. To make sure both you and your pet have a good holiday season, simply follow these common sense guidelines.
Christmas plants like poinsettia and holly can be poisonous to your pets; keep them well out of their reach. Christmas trees can also pose problems for pets and their owners. Don’t leave your dogs and cats unattended with a tree in easy reach. Both artificial and live trees are indigestible and their sharp needles can cause a wide range of problems if swallowed. Tinsel or artificial ‘icicles’ are especially tempting to pets, often causing vomiting, gagging, and even dangerous digestive tract blockages.
“Christmas plants like poinsettia and holly can be poisonous to your pets.”
Never use edible ornaments to decorate your tree. Any ornament can be a temptation to play for both cats and dogs. Add the edible factor and pets may knock the tree right over to get to these tasty ornaments. While this will most certainly cause broken ornaments and a mess, it may also injure your pet.
Pet Treats and Toys
If you purchase holiday gifts or treats for your pet, be sure to examine them thoroughly. Rawhide treats and small plastic balls or toys can be choking hazards.Keep all candy and treats out of your dog and cat’s reach. Chocolate, alcohol and marshmallows are all toxic for dogs, so be extra careful in the placement of these items.
Lastly, keep to your pet’s normal schedule as much as you possibly can during the holiday season. This will help them feel secure and decrease the additional stress of the season for both of you. This is the best way to prevent new behavioral issues, which are most often caused by stress.
Keep them warm and dry. Pay extra attention to water and nutrition. Be careful during the holidays and keep to your pets’ routine. Follow these basic tips to ensure the health and safety of your dogs, cats and other pets this winter.
About the Author
K. Paul Rumble D.V.M. is the owner of Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford, Connecticut, specializing in the care of companion animals including cats and dogs. He is a 1969 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College and has been associated with this Milford Animal Hospital since 1985. His special veterinary interests include animal dermatology, orthopedics and internal medicine.
For more information about the topic of pet health or their Milford, CT animal hospital, contact Dr. Rumble and his staff at 1.800.671.7885.
Winter Pet Health: Keep Your Pet Warm and Toasty This Winter
Cats in Winter
“The number one rule for winter pet health: Keep them warm.”
Dogs in Winter
Try to leave your dog’s coat longer in winter to provide more warmth. Good grooming during winter is especially important because a coat that is well maintained is well insulated. To keep fur and fitness in top shape, increase your dog’s food supply and particularly his protein intake if your dog is a working dog or spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities. Also remember to check your pets’ outdoor water containers frequently and remove any ice.
Winter Pet Safety: Dehydration and Fire Safety
Just like humans, during the colder weather pets are much more susceptible to health issues. As long as you are prepared and follow these tips your pet should make it through the winter in fine condition.
Surprisingly, pets can often become dehydrated in winter. Make certain they always have plenty of fresh water available. Just like us, pets are more likely to become sick in winter. If your pet is listless, lethargic or experiences symptoms of illness such as coughing, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
“Surprisingly, pets can often become dehydrated in winter.”
Be sure your pets stay away from all heat sources as wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters can cause severe burns to your companion. And, before giving your dog over-the-counter pet medications, be sure to consult your veterinarian. Some medications should not be given because of concurrent health issues or allergies.
Keeping Pets Healthy through the Holidays
Christmas plants like poinsettia and holly can be poisonous to your pets; keep them well out of their reach. Christmas trees can also pose problems for pets and their owners. Don’t leave your dogs and cats unattended with a tree in easy reach. Both artificial and live trees are indigestible and their sharp needles can cause a wide range of problems if swallowed. Tinsel or artificial ‘icicles’ are especially tempting to pets, often causing vomiting, gagging, and even dangerous digestive tract blockages.
“Christmas plants like poinsettia and holly can be poisonous to your pets.”
Never use edible ornaments to decorate your tree. Any ornament can be a temptation to play for both cats and dogs. Add the edible factor and pets may knock the tree right over to get to these tasty ornaments. While this will most certainly cause broken ornaments and a mess, it may also injure your pet.
Pet Treats and Toys
If you purchase holiday gifts or treats for your pet, be sure to examine them thoroughly. Rawhide treats and small plastic balls or toys can be choking hazards.Keep all candy and treats out of your dog and cat’s reach. Chocolate, alcohol and marshmallows are all toxic for dogs, so be extra careful in the placement of these items.
Keep them warm and dry. Pay extra attention to water and nutrition. Be careful during the holidays and keep to your pets’ routine. Follow these basic tips to ensure the health and safety of your dogs, cats and other pets this winter.
About the Author
K. Paul Rumble D.V.M. is the owner of Pond Point Animal Hospital in Milford, Connecticut, specializing in the care of companion animals including cats and dogs. He is a 1969 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College and has been associated with this Milford Animal Hospital since 1985. His special veterinary interests include animal dermatology, orthopedics and internal medicine.
For more information about the topic of pet health or their Milford, CT animal hospital, contact Dr. Rumble and his staff at 1.800.671.7885.