Winter in New England can be a fun and snowy adventure, but there are some dangers that come along with the cold weather. Don't let these dangers creep up on you and your pet and ruin your fun.
Pet owners should be observant and vigilant about the possible dangers that come with winter weather such as frostbite, hypothermia, and even chemical poisoning. I’m not a veterinarian or a medical expert but we can look at some ways pet parents can protect their pets from winter dangers. The appropriate amount of time for each pet to be outside varies depending on the age, size and breed of your pet. Dog sweaters and jackets can help protect your dog from the elements, as well as shorter, more frequent walks instead of longer walks exposing yourself and your dog to the elements; this allows your dog to get exercise while lowering the chances of your pet suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
If you notice your dog is holding their paws up, licking their paws, whining or shivering during a walk you should get them home to warm up right away. When the temperature drops, our pets’ bodies direct blood flow to their vital organs, leaving their extremities (paws, ears, tail, and nose) at risk for frostbite. It is important to be aware of temperature and duration of walks and time spent outside once the temperatures drop below freezing. It is recommended to keep the fur around paw pads short to avoid snow and ice accumulation during walks.
Some signs of frostbite are:
- Pain and tenderness when touched
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin; pale, blue or gray
- Stiffness
- Clumsiness
- Cold to the touch
- Blisters or skin ulcers
- Blackened/ dead skin
If your pet is experiencing frostbite, you should bring them out of the cold conditions immediately and call your vet right away. Do not rub the frostbitten area or try to quickly heat the affected area. (Do not use heating pads or hair dryers.)
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate it. This is oftentimes caused by extended exposure to cold temperatures. Know the signs and what to do if you suspect your pet is hypothermic. Some of the signs are:
- Shivering, pale skin/gums
- Tiredness
- Stiff muscles
- Shallow breathing
The first steps to take if you suspect your pet is suffering from hypothermia is 1, get them out of the cold and wrap them in warm blankets. Add warm water bottles (no direct contact to skin, do not use a heating pad), and 2, get your pet to the nearest vet right away.
It is important to wipe and even wash your dog’s feet after winter walks, paying close attention to paw pads and clearing any rock salt or build up of ice and snow.
Chemical poisoning is another common danger to pets. It takes under 1/2 teaspoon of antifreeze per pound of body weight to cause fatalities in pets. To help keep your pet safe from the dangers of antifreeze, keep all opened or empty containers sealed and out of reach, keep an eye on any leaking fluid from your car in your garage or driveway. Do not let your pet lick puddles or spills outside on walks or in the driveway or garage. Symptoms can appear 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion. These symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Increased thirst and urination
- Bad breath
- Sores in your pet's mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, get your pet to an emergency veterinarian right away, do not try to treat this on your own as this poisoning is often fatal for pets.
The best thing we can do as pet owners is stay informed, avoid the dangers and know what to do if an emergency arises for our furry friends. Bundle up and enjoy everything this season has to offer!
