As any pet owner knows, with winter comes mud, mess and mayhem. But aside from mucky paws and slippy walks, winter also brings with it some genuine dangers that could resulted in a painful time for your animal, not to mention an unwanted claim on your pet insurance.
The biggest and most obvious danger to dogs and cats in winter is cold weather. Pets, especially short-haired cats and dogs, should be given access to indoor sleeping areas during the coldest months.
Many popular dog and cat breeds are not equipped to handle extreme cold weather and can quickly feel the effects of plummeting temperatures if left outside. Cats should be kept inside at night to avoid them encountering any weather-related problems. A cat will survive a night outside in the summer quite easily, but winter is a different story.
Be careful
The materials we use to cope with the cold and ice can also pose a danger to our pets. Antifreeze has a very appealing smell to dogs and there are frequent reports of dogs licking the substance from the floor or worse, from their paws and ingesting it. Antifreeze is extremely poisonous and responsible dog owners should make sure that their pets do not come into contact with the substance.
Grit and sand used on the ground to reduce slipping can get lodged in between paw pads - both cats and dogs suffer from this problem. Always perform a paw health check when your pets have been outside in the winter. Grit can become compounded between the toes and will cause extreme discomfort and can limit mobility if left.
When the seasons change, your routine will change, too. But dogs and cats don't understand daylight savings, so make sure that you adjust their routine gradually. A disrupted routine is one of the most common causes of canine and feline anxiety, so make sure there are no abrupt changes to what your pet is used to.
Have you ever noticed how your pet's body clock is extremely regular and they always seem to know when dinner time is? This is nature's way of keeping them alert. Mitigate this potential problem by gradually adjusting their feeding time in the week before the clocks go back so that they aren't left feeling hungry for an hour.
Another common feature of winter is snow, mud and dirty dogs. Take care of your pet’s skin and coat with the following winter care tips from the American Humane Association:
Winter Pet Care Tips
- Dogs should be bathed regularly. Brushing before a bath is recommended, as it breaks down dirt, grime and debris so the shampoo will clean more effectively. Don’t wash dogs outside; the frigid water from a garden hose is extremely uncomfortable and can make them sick.
- Cats should have their paws inspected regularly. Ice that has gathered can be sharp and cause lacerations to the paw pad.
- Perform inspections of your pet’s skin and coat. Because your pet is covered in fur that can hide medical and grooming problems, you should inspect every inch of the skin and coat with your eyes and fingers. Regular brushing will make the inspection easier as dirt, mats and tangles won’t get in your way. Look for any changes or abnormalities, such as bites, parasites, injuries, lumps or changes in the skin’s colour or texture.
- Remember, it’s cold outside. Pets with short hair and dogs that get cold easily should wear coats or sweaters while on a walk to keep them warm. You could also cover their feet with booties to protect their pads from salt or chemical de-icers. Wipe off any salt that might get on their stomach to keep them from licking it off.
