Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Did you know that cold weather poses serious threats to your pet's health?

Use these tips to keep your pets safe during the cold weather:

1) Know your pet's limits
When it comes to cold weather, you need to be aware of how much cold your pet can stand without being put at risk. If you're not out on a walk, limit the amount of time your pet spends outdoors and make sure they can't escape from your yard. Cat owners should keep their cats inside. 

2) Stay alert
Both dogs and cats can suffer from cold-related health issues, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Check your pet's paws frequently and look for signs of damage, such as cracks or bleeding. 

3) Keep your pet clean 
If ingested, antifreeze can be fatal to pets. Rock salt - which is typically used to melt ice - can also hurt your pet by giving them chemical burns on their paws. To avoid these issues, watch your pet when you're outside with them and wash their paws, stomach, and legs when you return home. 

4) Make your pet indentifiable 
Ensure that your pet is always wearing a collar with an ID tag and that the information on the their tag is up to date. If your pet is microchipped, make sure their microchipped is registered and that microchip company has your most recent address and phone number.

For more winter safety tips for pets, check out this AVMA article.