Dr. Les Shatkin, one of VESCONE's Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians, shares her tips on keeping your pet safe and happy this winter.
Antifreeze
Keep antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol away from pets on high shelves and in locked cabinets. Always thoroughly clean up spills or puddles that may accumulate in the garage or driveway. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and it is extremely toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Try to purchase antifreeze that contains propylene glycol instead. If you are suspicious your pet has consumed any ethylene glycol take them to veterinarian immediately.
Ice melting products
Always check your pet’s paws and belly when coming inside as they can get ice, rock salt or ice melting products stuck in between their toes and pads. Ice melting products can be very irritating to the skin and can cause serious injury if licked or ingested.
Winter weather
Pets are susceptible to the cold just like us. Ideally keep them indoors during storms or weather below freezing. If they are kept outside ensure they have a warm, dry environment with a heated bowl to prevent their water from freezing. Provide them shelter with lots of thick bedding.
Frostbite
Cats and dogs can get frost bite. Watch for red, grey or whitish areas on pet’s nose, ears and feet. Do not leave dogs unattended in the car during winter months as the car can become even colder than the outside. Also make sure your pet is dry when coming inside.
Heat sources
Pets love space heaters and will likely sleep next to them. Make sure they do not get so close that their tails or other parts of their body get burned. Do not leave heaters unattended as they may get knocked over causing a fire risk. Do not use heating pads as these can cause serious injury. Purchase pet safety heating products that do not burn the skin. Hot water bottles wrapped in a towel are also a good alternative.
Elderly or arthritic pets
Older pets with stiff joints can have a hard time in the winter. Make sure they have lots of soft bedding and help them on slippery surfaces to avoid falls. If you feel your pet is uncomfortable talk to your vet about medications that may help.
Ice
Do not let your dog off leash on frozen lakes or ponds as there is serious risk of the drowning or hypothermia.
Cats
Cats are just as at risk of hypothermia, frost bite and other winter-related problems as dogs. They are especially resourceful and will crawl into small warm spaces such as car engines. If they become caught in moving engine parts they can be seriously injury or killed so always check your car before starting it.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, Please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.