Winter health tips for your pets
Dec 3rd, 2007 by Laura
Seasons greetings everyone! Now that the cold weather is upon us, here are some tips for having a safe and healthy winter season.
* Holiday treats can be toxic to dogs and cats. Do not give any chocolate or alcoholic beverages to your pets. Provide them with their own safe chews or treats to prevent temptation.
* Monitor your pets around holiday decorations. Puppies or cats are attracted to ornaments, tinsel, lights, plants (poinsettia) or decorated Christmas trees. If this items are ingested, they can cause serious compications.
* Keep your pets inside whenever possible. If your pet must be left outside, provide a proper heated shelter with bedding, food and water in a container that will not freeze. Remeber, very young and older pets do not have the ability to regulate body heat. They should not be left outdoors.
* Cats are attracted to the warmth of car engines. Before starting your car, check underneath, tap on the hood or honk the horn. Doing this will prevent any possible injuries to a hiding cat.
* Rock salt and ice can irritate paw pads. Wipe off pads after any outdoor activity.
* It is fun to dress up our pets in coats and sweaters, but pets lose most of their body heat through the pads on their feet, tips of their ears and their respiratory track.
* Do not allow your pet to drink from puddles or gutters, this water may be polluted.
* Pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like humans. When in doubt, it is best to leave your pets indoors.
Wintertime can be filled with lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities. We hope you are able to enjoy them safely with your pets. Have fun!!
