Winter is here — and with it comes freezing temperatures, ice, and seasonal hazards that can put pets at risk. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing cold-weather emergencies and avoiding an unexpected trip to the vet.
During the winter months, keeping pets healthy requires extra awareness. From chemical de-icers to antifreeze and frostbite risks, colder weather brings a unique set of dangers for dogs and cats.
Integrative veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, shares six essential tips to help protect your pets throughout the winter season:
1. When using ice-melting products like Rock salt and de-icing chemicals, spritz your pup’s feet with water when they come back inside to avoid irritation of their skin and paws. Signs of ingestion include excess drooling, depression, and vomiting.
2. Antifreeze can be deadly. Clean up spills/leaks immediately and make sure that it is stored in a sealed container locked in a secure cabinet. If you think your pet has consumed anti-freeze, this is a true life-or-death emergency! Go to your vet ASAP and call ahead while you are on your way!
3. Keep your dogs protected from the frigid temperatures (if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Offer a little extra food during the winter months because more calories are burned trying to maintain body heat.
4. Frostbite risk areas include your dog’s ears, nose, and tip of the tail. Frostbitten areas of skin initially turn a reddish color, then become gray. To treat frostbite: give your pet a warm bath and wrap him or her up in warm towels. Don’t rub an area that has frostbite!
5. Homemade meals for your pet are a healthy and cost-effective way to ensure your pet is getting essential nutrients without the risk of indigestion, weight gain due to overeating, and the high caloric intake of processed foods. Cuisine made of equal portions of a lean protein (chicken, turkey, beef, veal, duck, fish or eggs), long-acting carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, pasta or oatmeal) and fresh vegetables (broccoli, spinach, green beans, lima beans, peas and carrots) are ideal. Cats require more protein than dogs, so 80 percent lean protein and 20 percent veggies is perfect.
6. Rat and mouse baits are usually used more often in cold weather. Place baits in areas inaccessible to your pets. Peanut butter baits smell good and are tasty to pets. Save labels, and if you think bait has been eaten by your pet, get to your vet ASAP. Call ahead while you are on your way! Most pets are treated with Vitamin K therapy and recover.
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterwards, she launched a very successful private practice and became founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments.
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