It looks like we have some cold weather coming our way. With winter being in full force it is a good time to remind yourself how to keep your pets safe from weather dangers.
- Going back and forth between the outside and the inside, the cold and the dry heat of our homes can lead to dry skin. We are already dry in New Mexico, but the winter is eve dryer. Consider putting a humidifier in your home to decrease dry and flaky skin.
- Towel dry your pet when they come inside if they got wet. Make sure to pay attention to between their toes.
- DO NOT shave your dog. Their longer thicker coat will help them stay warm. If your dog is getting ice balls on their long hair, just trim those areas with sizers.
- Get a coat or sweater for short hair dogs. Some dogs do not ever get a good winter coat. You can help keep them warm with a nice sweater. Its fashionable too!
- Wash your dog’s paws if you walked on deicer or salt. If we have had a snow storm, or you are in a snowy area, people will often use deicer or salt on sidewalks. This can cause burns and skin irritation. Make sure to wash off their feet and check for cracks in the pad or redness between the toes. You may want to use something like Bag Balm on their pads to help heal any cracked skin or look for a pet-safe medicated cream to help any irritation.
- Do not let your dog near any antifreeze, it is lethal to your dog. Make sure all antifreeze is cleaned up and put away. If you think your dog has ingested any, call an emergency vet immediately.
- Increase their food. Pets burn more energy trying to stay warm. Give them a little extra food, unless they are already overweight, to help make up for that extra calorie burn.
- Make sure they have plenty of room temperature water to drink. Water left outside will often get too cold for your pet to comfortably drink, either refresh that water frequently, get a warming bowl, or give them access to water in a place where it will stay at room temperature. Drinking a lot of cold water can cause hypothermia.
- Give them a warm place to sleep, preferably off the floor and away from drats. A dog bed or basket with blankets is a perfect sleeping spot.
- If you think it is too cold outside then it is likely too cold for your dog. Certain breeds like Huskies and Newfoundlands love to be outside with it is really cold, but most dogs will have a tolerance similar to yours.
- Do not leave your dog in a cold car. Just like a car super heating in the summer, a cold car will get really cold really fast and can put your dog at risk of hypothermia if left in the car. It would be like putting your dog in a refrigerator and your dog could freeze to death.
