Keeping Your Dog Safe in Winter
It’s that time of year again in some parts of the world, where the temperature plummets and frozen white snow falls from the sky. Yes, this is the season where humans bundle up in warm clothes to go outside, but what about your animal companions. Although many people think that their dogs are resistant to the falling temperatures, there are definitely some precautions to take and some ways in which you can ensure you are keeping your dog safe in winter and that your pet is comfortable in the winter months.
Burns Can Happen
In the colder months when you have the heat on in your home, candles lit, and possibly small space heater, the risk of burns for your pet heightens substantially. Candles have an open flame and can also cause fire if they are knocked over by an unknowing pet. The best practice is to make sure that any lit candles are placed out of the reach of pets. In the case of heaters, if they heat up you will need to keep your pets away from them otherwise it could lead to a burnt nose or paw.
Monitor The Amount Of Time Your Pet Spends Outdoors
When the temperature drops into the negatives; it is necessary to monitor the amount of time that your pet spends out in the subzero weather. Much in the same way that humans can get frostbite and hypothermia, many animals are also able to get it. When the temperatures are hitting extreme lows it is best to allow your pet to be indoors where they are warm and safe; however, if your pet will be outdoors for a period of time, you need to provide accommodations for them. You will want to provide shelter that will keep them safe from wind, snow and other weather elements. Inside the shelter you will want some straw or blankets in order to keep your furry companion snuggly and warm. Avoid using heating devices as they are fire and burn hazards for your pet. There are however, some pet stores that sell heated mats made for use in pet shelters. These can be a great option for providing a little extra warmth. Another consideration is that your pet will need water that can be obtained easily. Snow and ice are not sufficient water sources for your canine, so you may want to consider an insulated or heated bowl that will prevent freezing.
Salt And Deicers Used On Sidewalks Can Cause Problems For Your Pet
The various methods that people use to deice and clear their sidewalks in the winter can really take a toll on your pets’ paws. After taking your animal for a walk, you will want to clean their paws with warm water in order to prevent cracking which causes very sore paws. A build up of hard packed snow and ice can also be problematic. For this reason you may want to consider a protective bootie for your pet.
Be Aware Of The Dangers In Your Home
Just as you would protect your children from the fluids and solutions around your home that shouldn’t be ingested, you also need to pay attention to your pets. Antifreeze is one thing commonly found around the home, especially during the colder weather that is a lethal cocktail if consumed. For this reason you need to be certain that it is stored out of reach and any spills are cleaned up promptly.
Different seasons present different perils for your pets. In order to be a good pet owner you need to provide dog food and cat food that is nutritious, water that is fresh, and be aware of the different ways to keep your pet safe year round. The above are some considerations to keep in mind so that you can keep your pet thriving right through to spring.
This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and a full time pet lover. When she is not working she likes to travel and do yoga. If you have any question feel free to leave a comment.