Keep Your Pet Safe This Season!
It's finally happened! Winter isn't coming!
Winter is here!
Eddie posin’ outside~
It's good to have fun outside with our dogs, but be sure to limit their exposure to the elements during those extreme cold warnings. Limit their time outside! (The exception to this is heavy-coated northern breeds that thrive in these conditions.)
It's very important to keep the safety of our furry friends in mind as the temperature drops. Frostbite isn't just something that affects humans, after all. If you notice a shade of blue or grey on your dog, or if the area is very cold or brittle, that's a sign of frostbite. If your pet shivers, is lethargic, or has fixed and dilated pupils, that could be a sign of hypothermia, and that is very serious. If it's too cold, keep your friend indoors and find something fun to keep them entertained.
If your dog has short hair, bundle them up with sweaters and jackets. Booties are not only adorable but they can protect their feet from the cold. Speaking of their paws...
...be sure to watch their pads for cracks and other damage! When they come in from outside, dry their paws off with a towel. Rinse off their paws with warm water after a walk because some de-icers used on sidewalks can cause damage, too. In our shop, you can pick up some paw pad balms. Check their paws for clumps of ice forming between their toes, and trim their feet fur to prevent this.
Another thing to consider when outside is what our dogs are drinking! Dogs can get dehydrated in the winter as easily as they can in the summer. If they have a water dish, watch out for ice. (On that note, watch out for ice in general. Slipping can not only hurt you, but thin ice can be an issue on unseasonably warm days. It's Manitoba – the weather can change in an hour!)
While out and about, be careful around antifreeze. It is EXTREMELY dangerous when a dog ingests it so keep it out of their reach at all times. There are certain signs to watch out for if you think your dog may have swallowed some, such as drooling, excessive thirst, seizures and if they are lethargic. Salt and de-icers can also be toxic. If you're going to use some, get the safe-for-pets kind.
Last but not least, provide a warm and comfortable bed in your home and please don't leave your dog in a cold vehicle. It is something you hear about all the time, and yet, it still happens. Please don't do it!