Winter Hazards

Winters Coming!

Winter Safety Tips for PetsKeep your pets safe so you can all enjoy winter and the holidays!

Sweater WeatherIf your dog isnt conditioned for cold weather, doesnt have a thick coat, is small, very young or very old, he may need a sweater or coat.

Honk for SafetyOutdoor cats and many small wild animals may seek refuge from a cars warm engine. They may be under the car or even under the hood. In the cold weather honk before you start your car to avoid a cat-astrophe.

Avoid FrostbiteEars and tails are the most likely areas on dogs and cats to suffer from frostbite. Make sure if you let your pet outdoors in the frigid weather to watch and not leave them out too long.

Frostbit skin starts out bright red, then becomes pale or grayish. The area may then become black and fall off. Avoid AntifreezeAntifreeze ingestion causes acute kidney failure. It is sweet, making it very appealing to cats and dogs. Make sure that antifreeze is stored safely out of pets (and kids!) reach, and if you notice anything leaking out of your car, clean up the area thoroughly and have your car repaired.

Clean those feetAvoid using salt-based melting products on your own property; switch to sand, cat litter, or an animal-safe de-icer. Checking your dogs paws regularly and having the hair trimmed between their toes (with blunt-ended scissors) will prevent frostbite.

Remove ice balls from between toes and look for cuts from encrusted snow or ice. Thoroughly rinse and dry your pets paws and belly when they get home from a walk, just in case theyve picked up road salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals that they could lick off. Beware of Thin IceOf all of the dangers winter brings, dogs falling through thin ice is one of the most perilous. Dogs are poor judges of ice thickness, and falling through thin ice can cause hypothermia, near drowning (or drowning) and potentially human drowning as well.

Provide ShelterIf your dog lives outside he will need shelter from the snow, wind and freezing temperatures. A sturdy dog house filled with bedding, extra food and ensuring that water is available to drink are all necessities.

TLCOld dogs and dogs that are small and dont have a thick coat need some extra pampering. Make sure to dry them off if they get wet outside when it is cold to prevent hypothermia, and bundle them up to increase their body temperature if they are cold.

Holiday Tips

Tinsel, Ribbons and Ornaments, oh my!

Curious kittens and puppies can get into some real problems if they are able to get to tinsel and ornaments. Cats love shiny, stringy things, and if they eat tinsel or ribbon they can wind up needing surgery to remove it. Breakable ornaments are a hazard to both cats and dogs, and should be placed out of their reach.Be Cautious of Trees and Lights

Christmas trees can fall over, the water in the tree stand may contain unhealthy fertilizer and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Methylene chloride, found in strings of bubble lights, can cause irritation to eyes, skin, lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.DANGER: POTPOURRI

Potpourri oils, such as pine and peppermint are extremely toxic to cats, and even a few licks can result in severe chemical burns in the mouth, fever, difficulty breathing, and tremors. Dogs aren't as sensitive, but can still be affected. Danger: CandlesCandles in pets reach can cause burnt whiskers and noses, and can be easily knocked over and start a fire in your home.

Holiday FeastingOverindulgence and food-stealing can result in gastroenteritis and/or pancreatitis. The symptoms of both are similar vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and lethargy. Your pet could easily end up hospitalized over the holidays with either of these ailments.

Chocolate Is Not a Dogs Best FriendChocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines (specifically caffeine and theobromine), which dogs are far more sensitive to than people. Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of methylxanthines. In general, though, the darker and more bitter the chocolate the greater the danger.

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a boundMake sure your fireplace doors are closed and secure!

Plants to be Wary ofPoinsettias have a bad reputation, although they are not actually toxic to dogs or cats. Mistletoe, ivy and holly berries are poisonous to dogs and cats, and Lillies are especially toxic.

Every Party has a PooperHoliday celebrations, although fun for people, can be difficult for dogs and cats. The stress of a full house, and/or well-meaning guests feeding things our furry friends shouldnt have, can be problematic. Make sure your pets have somewhere safe to retreat from the melee.

Wake Up

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