Winter Pet Care Tips: Keeping Your Pets Safe and Warm
We Northern Californians get our fair share of cold weather, and for pets in Yuba City and the surrounding areas, winter pet care is an important topic. Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center has some great tips for pet winter wellness. We hope that by sharing our best advice, your animals will stay safe and cozy during this chilly part of the year.
Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips
With the changing seasons, there are some special considerations to help keep pets safe. Some hazards unique to the cold weather include:
- De-icing products — The salts in products like ice melt can cause contact irritation for pets, as well as gastrointestinal upset if ingested. More serious consequences like seizure or death are possible with high exposure. Use pet-safe versions when possible, and if exposure occurs, be sure to thoroughly rinse the product from your pets paws and fur.
- Antifreeze — Ethylene glycol is extremely toxic when ingested, even in small quantities. It is also very sweet, which makes it even more dangerous due to its palatability. Ingestion can lead to life-threatening kidney failure. Clean up leaks and spills promptly, and use pet-safe versions when possible.
- Rodenticides — When the weather cools, rodents of all kinds make their ways indoors. It is only natural to want to keep your home pest-free, but many rodenticides rely on being tasty and poisonous, and they don’t discriminate between a mouse and your dog or cat. Choose pet-safe options.
- Warming elements — Space heaters and the like make cozy places for pets to lie, but they also can lead to burns. Also remember to check for stray pets warming up under the hood of your car in cooler weather.
- Exposure — Pets can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Be sure to protect them from the elements.
Keeping Pets Warm in Winter
Pets spending time in cooler temperatures may need a little extra help staying warm. While animals accustomed to cold weather can generally handle chilly conditions, pets not used to being outdoors may require some additional precautions.
Letting your dog out briefly to potty is usually fine, but if your pet will be taking longer walks or spending extended time outdoors, it might be a good idea to invest in some winter gear—perhaps even as part of your holiday gift-giving!
Paws tend to be the first thing to get cold. There are various pet boots available that can help keep those toes toasty. Just remember to remove them when indoors to avoid irritation.
A well-fitted sweater or coat can also help keep your pet warm in winter weather, especially if they don’t have a thick coat. Be sure to check for any signs of rubbing, and ensure the garment fits snugly to prevent your pet from getting entangled.
Your Team for Winter Pet Care
Your pet’s veterinary wellness care doesn’t stop in the colder months, either. Our professional team is here to help your pet winter wellness efforts.
Don’t forget to continue administering heartworm and other parasite preventives. We are happy to help recommend the best product for your pet’s individual needs. Likewise, preventive vaccinations remain important (and maybe even more vital as pets board and travel through the holiday season).
You will also want to be sure that your pet has had a recent wellness checkup. Old, young, immunocompromised, or pets with systemic illnesses may be at increased risk for things like hypothermia. Our veterinary team can help make recommendations to keep your pet safer. Let us know if you need to make an appointment to bring your pet in.
Exercise remains important, but with shorter daylight hours be sure to always keep your pets on a leash to avoid accidents. If you walk or jog with your pets after dark, invest in reflective gear such as a collar or vest to ensure you and your pet are visible.
Even in Northern California, winter precautions are essential for keeping your pets safe and healthy. Winter pet care is important, and Adobe Animal Hospital is happy to help however we can.