Darker, colder days of winter signify more prospective risks for your pets to encounter in the great outdoors. Learning more about these dangers can assist you in shielding your pet from harm throughout this gorgeous yet challenging season.
Prevalent Winter Hazards for Pets to Avoid
Going through the snow and ice while listening to the crunch is an excellent means to enjoy winter’s crisp, cold air. Although these are common throughout the winter, they signify the beginning of countless seasonal threats for your pets. Preparation is crucial, not just in clothing but additionally in understanding what potential risks might lie in front and how to prevent them while venturing out into the cold.
Winter can bring plenty of joy with a fireplace in the living room and an icy scene beyond your home window. Colder weather conditions bring their own set of threats for pets. Discover what kinds of threats your pet faces throughout the winter months below.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is unsafe for pets and must be kept out of their reach. If even a small amount is licked off, it can cause severe harm to their kidneys, perhaps causing death. Some pets might find it appealing due to its attractive aroma and flavor. Most typically, dogs will discover it after it has been put from a car radiator or been spilled when refilling a screen wash.
Keep your dog out of the vehicle until you can get any fluids around. You should scrub their paws with soap and water if they’ve been in any. Call a veterinarian from the animal hospital in Eastham immediately if you feel your dog has licked, drunk, or come into contact with antifreeze.
Hypothermia
Your pet may deal with hypothermia swiftly if left outside in the cold. When the temperature goes down, the body’s natural response is to move blood far from the extremities and into the core. This could leave your pet at risk of frostbite on their exposed ears, tail, and paws.
Younger, smaller, or older dogs and those with less hair may be at a greater risk. Ensure your pet has cozy clothing and shoes, and keep them inside as much as possible. Remember to keep your pet tidy even when it’s winter. You can take your dog to a veterinarian that provides Pet Bathing & Grooming services to guarantee that it stays clean and healthy throughout the season.
Moving Vehicles and Traffic
Both dogs and cats have a greater risk of being involved in a vehicle accident during the winter. Keep your pet secure on a leash when outside, and always utilize luminous gear so drivers can see you and your pet. Animals can also be easily shocked and scared into fleeing.
If this were to happen, the best solution to maximize your possibilities of reconnecting with your pet would be to microchip them, have them wear a reflective collar, and attach proper pet ID tags to their collar. Your pet needs immediate vet care from a veterinary emergency clinic if it has been in a car crash.
Bottomline
It’s reasonable to think that a pet is in pain when a human begins to feel uneasy outside. Remember that you can wear as many layers of warm clothing as you want. However, your pet has only its own body and fur coat to protect it from the cold. When your pet becomes cold, it’s time to head inside for some relaxing and enjoyable activities.
