I’m sure by now you have winterized your truck and perhaps your house, but what about your pet? The full wrath of winter upon us with arctic winds, plummeting temperatures, snow and freezing rain. Have you taken the time to be sure that your pet is prepared for the frigid temps and all that goes along with it, especially if your pet is with you on the road? Take note of these special precautions and tips to ensure your pet is safe and protected this winter.
Pet Unfriendly Winter Products.
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Anti-Freeze: Be sure to keep your pet far away from anti-freeze. This highly toxic fluid poses a life-threatening danger to pets. It contains ethylene glycol, which is a potent toxin to the kidneys. Just as little as a lick of this dangerous fluid can be dangerous to your pet. Take your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect that your dog or cat has ingested anti-freeze. Early treatment is essential.
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Windshield Washer Products: Less toxic, but also a danger, are windshield washer products. They contain methanol, which can cause severe nervous system depression in pets. If pets ingest these fluids they may exhibit drooling, vomiting, and instability.
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Ice Melt Products: Treating sidewalks, driveways, and steps with rock salt and other ice melt products is another routine of winter months. It is also a routine truck stops use to protect their patrons. If pets ingest these products, they can suffer from gastrointestinal tract irritation, as well as depression, weakness, seizures, cardiac issues, and other life threatening issues. Without ingestion, rock salt and other ice melt products can dry out and irritate your pet's paws and stomach. Dry paws can lead to cracks and possible infection (not to mention discomfort). There are pet-safe ice melts on the market for your home, however you can't control what truck stops and other businesses are putting on their sidewalks. To help prevent irritation and injury to your pet, gently wash and dry off their paws and belly at the end of their walk. If your truck is on the road with you, be sure to wash off your pet's paws and belly once you get them in the truck. As a preventative measure, you may want to consider boots for your pet but I have yet to find some that stay on! Applying pet paw wax to your dog's pads is another preventative measure.
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Space Heaters: In seeking out warm places, pets may cozy up to space heaters or heat lamps, which can also pose dangers to your pets. Keep fluffy tails away from heat lamps and space heaters, as they can easily ignite into flames. In addition, dogs and cats love to seek out the warmth of fire. While at home, be sure your fireplace is protected by a safety screen or glass. This helps to prevent sparks from flying out and landing on your dog or cat.
Outdoor Threats.
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The Elements: Your pet needs to be protected from the cold itself. Just because your pet has fur doesn't mean they are completely protected from the cold. If you have a shorthaired breed, you may want to consider protective clothing for them. In addition, when the temps really dip (particularly when the wind chill is a factor), limit their time outdoors. In addition, if you have a pet on the road with you, do not leave them in a freezing cold truck. After you turn the engine off, the temperature rapidly drops. Your pet is probably most comfortable at the same temperature you prefer. You know your pet best, so keep a close eye on them. Monitor your pet closely to avoid any type of severe reaction to overexposure to cold such as hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include lethargy, weakness, shivering, muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing, and fixed and dilated pupils.
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Bodies of Water: Most dogs love to romp in the snow off-leash. It's important to know the area in which you are playing with your dog. If you aren’t familiar with a pet area at the truck stop or a park, keep them on a leash. Keep your pet away from bodies of water, even if they appear frozen. Incidents of dogs falling through the ice happen often and are easily preventable.
Plan ahead and take all the necessary steps to ensure your pet has a safe and happy winter!