Winter and Holiday Hazards

As the temperature drops and winter arrives, did you know that the cold weather can have a significant impact on your pet’s health? As your independent veterinary practice, we want to provide you with some essential tips to help you keep your furry companions safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the winter season.

Protect Your Pet from the Cold:

• Dogs and Cats: Small breeds, short-haired dogs, and older pets are particularly susceptible to the cold. When the weather is freezing, try to limit outdoor time for these pets. If your dog enjoys walks, ensure they are bundled up in a warm sweater or coat. Cats, especially those with shorter coats, should be kept indoors when possible.
• Outdoor Pets: If you have outdoor pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets, make sure their shelters are insulated and protected from the wind. Keep their housing dry and warm, and provide plenty of bedding (such as hay) for them to burrow in. Make sure they have access to unfrozen water at all times.

Protect Their Paws:

If your pet’s paws get wet, make sure to dry them off completely to prevent frostbite or irritation. Regularly check for cracks, cuts, or dryness that could be painful for them.

Avoid Winter Hazards:

Antifreeze is commonly used during the winter to keep car engines running smoothly, but it’s highly toxic to pets. Pets may be attracted to its sweet smell and taste, and even a small amount can be deadly. Keep antifreeze and other chemicals securely stored away from pets, and clean up any spills immediately.

Keep Them Active:

Regular exercise is just as important in the winter as it is in the warmer months. Take your dog for shorter but more frequent walks to keep them active and healthy. If the weather is too cold for outdoor walks, try indoor activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or even agility training to keep your pet’s body and mind engaged. Indoor playtime is essential for keeping cats and small animals active during the winter. Invest in interactive toys, climbing structures, and scratching posts to keep them entertained and physically active.

Provide Adequate Nutrition and Hydration:

Cold weather can increase your pet’s energy requirements, so it’s essential to provide the right diet to keep them healthy.

• Food Adjustments: Active dogs, working dogs, and pets that spend time outdoors may require additional calories to maintain body heat. You might need to adjust their portion sizes to meet their increased energy needs. Consult your vet for advice on adjusting your pet’s diet based on their activity level during the winter months.
• Hydration: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your pet doesn’t need water. In fact, indoor heating can dried out the air and lead to dehydration. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water. If your pet’s water bowl is outside, be sure it doesn’t freeze. Consider investing in a heated water bowl for outdoor pets.

Keep Their Coat Healthy

 Regular brushing is important to prevent matting, especially for long-haired pets. Matted fur can trap moisture, making your pet more susceptible to hypothermia. Also, make sure to trim any excess hair around their paws to prevent snowballs from forming between their pads.

Watch for Seasonal Health Concerns

Some health issues may arise more frequently during the winter months. The cold weather can aggravate joint pain, particularly in older pets. You may notice you dog or cat becoming more stiff or reluctant to move. Joint supplements, such as those containing glucosamine and chondroitin, can help support their joint health. Consult your vet for advice on managing joint pain and stiffness.

Keep Them Safe During the Holidays

With the holidays come additional hazards for your pets, from decorations to food.

• Holiday Hazards: Be mindful of decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and candles, which can pose a choking hazard or cause burn’s. Many holiday plants, such as poinsettias and mistletoe, are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
• Toxic Foods: While you may be tempted to share your holiday treats, many foods that are safe for humans are dangerous to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and alcohol are all toxic to pets. Keep holiday foods out of reach and stick to pet-safe treats.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to MK Vet Group.