Pet Care Tips for Winter Climates

It's important to know pet care tips to help your pet survive a winter climate. Frostbite, hypothermia and poisonings commonly occur in the winter months. Even the most well meaning pet owner may not realize how quickly winter weather conditions can turn deadly for a cat or dog.

Pet Care Tips Regarding Common Wintertime Poisons

Dogs and cats are equally susceptible to poisonings in winter months. Ice and snow build up in the winter and generally de-icers and antifreeze products become the best way to battle these winter issues. The problem is they are toxic to both cats and dogs.

Road salt dries out and burns the pads of a dog's feet. His response is to get home and lick all the salt off. Some dogs simply develop intestinal upset or diarrhea after ingesting road salt. Others ingest too much leading to more serious cases of poisoning.

One of the best dog care tips involves placing protective boots on your dog's feet before going for walks. If this is not possible, some dogs do not like boots, make sure you wash your dog's paws immediately after returning home.

Antifreeze is essential to keeping your vehicles engine running properly. Make sure you clean up any spills from your driveway or garage. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to animals.

Winter Pet Care Tips for Cats

If you have a cat that goes outdoors, the following cat care tips will help keep your cat safe during the cold winter months.

Avoid letting your cat outside if there is the possibility of a snow storm. In heavy snow, a cat is easily lost because snowfall hides familiar objects and changes how things smell.

Cats paws will be affected by the snow and cold. Use Bag Balm to moisturize the skin after a cat has been outside. Bag Balm can be used on the tips of the ears if they appear dry from exposure to the cold. It's non-toxic so don't worry about your cat licking it off.

Winter Pet Care Tips for Dogs

One of the most important dog care tips involves clothing. Some people feel it is silly to dress your dog in clothing, but a short haired dog needs additional layers to keep warm on a very chilly day. Dogs require daily exercise, so dress your dog warmly and go for a walk. A reflective jacket is a great way to make sure your dog is visible to others in snow.

Do not shave a dog's fur in the winter months. They need their winter coat for warmth.

Dogs pads dry out in the winter months, especially if they are exposed to road salt or remain outside for extended periods of time. After all winter outdoor activities, rub some Bag Balm into the dog's pads to help prevent dry, cracked skin. You can do the same with your dog's nose if it is becoming dry. Don't worry about a dog licking it off, Bag Balm is non-toxic.

Other winter pet care tips involve limiting the amount of time your dog is outside in cold air. If you notice the dog slows down or starts whimpering or lifting paws from the ground, get him inside immediately. Those are sure signs the dog is bothered by the cold.

 

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