Pet Health and Cold Weather Tips

Cat Health & Cold Weather

Keeping pets away from harmful salt and antifreeze chemicals will help them stay safe.  Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin.  Pets become uncomfortable and may suffer with discomforts of pain.   

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Pets burn extra energy as they try to stay warm in the winter.  Feed your pet during scheduled times, with intermittent snacks to provide needed nourishment and calories along with plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will keep their skin hydrated. 
• A cozy place for your pet away from drafts will help them stay warm.  Provide a warm blanket, pillow or bed for your pet.  Keep it clean, dry, and away from electric heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces.  
• If it is too cold for you to be outside, your pets will be cold and also freeze rapidly.  Keep your pets inside.  During extreme cold weather pets can become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed.