Keep Your Dog Safe This Winter

Winter can be a dangerous time of year for your dog and it’s important that you keep a few safety tips in mind this season. By protecting your dog now, you can ensure that wintertime can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. After all – who doesn’t love playing out in the snow with your pup? Keep in mind some of these valuable health tips for dogs this winter:

If you need to use de-icer around your sidewalk or porch, be sure that you’re choosing one that’s pet-friendly and designed to be non toxic. Many de-icers used on roadways and sidewalks contain chemicals that can be toxic or irritating to your pet. While you can’t avoid what you encounter on the roads, you can however keep your dog safe. Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws clean after spending time outside.

While you’re wiping paws clean, also be sure to check for ice that may have formed in between the toes of your dog’s paw while he or she was outside in the snow. Ice can be irritating to the paws, not to mention, can encourage frostbite. Remove any ice if you find it, or you can try preventing it by having your dog wear booties.

Finally, keep your dog away from any antifreeze. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which can cause fatal kidney damage in your pet in just a few hours. If your dog ingests antifreeze, seek out veterinary assistance immediately. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include depression, lack of coordination, diarrhea, thirst, and seizures.