7 Winter Safety Tips to Protect Your Dog

Winter is a wonderful time for cooler weather and scenic vistas. However it is also a time of potential hazards. There are some common emergencies we see in dogs that can be prevented. I want to share them with you in hopes it will keep your pets and family safe. After all - it's not fun spending any night, let alone a winter night, in the local vet hospital.

Here are 7 ways to help you to keep your dog safe this winter.

1. Protect Your Pet from Burns. Winter is the time of year when house fires are more likely to occur. Take special care to monitor wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources to protect pets from being burned. Burning ambers can get into your pet's coat, or he may be curious and touch hot surfaces.

2. Use Care with Candles . Candles are often part of the winter ambiance. Candles are also one of the leading causes of house fires. They can be knocked over by jumping cats, running dogs and wagging tails. Ensure the candle is well weighted with a dome to protect pets. Do not leave the room where there is a lit candle.

3. Take Special Care with Antifreeze. Antifreeze is very sweet and tasty to pets, and lethal even in small quantities. Buy brands that do not contain ethylene glycol, such as Sierra®, and be sure to keep all antifreeze out of your pet's reach.

4. Prevent Frostbite . Frostbite is injury to tissue that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures (often accompanied by moisture or high winds). Keep your pet warm by providing warm bedding indoors. Minimize exposure to cold temperatures, especially for pets that are used to being primarily in warm climates or indoors.

5. Take Special Care Around Bodies of Water. Be careful around frozen lakes and bodies of water. Keep your pets on a leash and do not allow them to navigate on the ice. Weak areas can allow pets to fall through.

6. Protect Your Pet's Paws . Snow and ice often call for rock salt on sidewalks and driveways. Wipe snow, ice and rock salt off your pet's paws- even clean between the toes - after outdoor walks. The lime rock salt or calcium chloride salt commonly used may cause vomiting and diarrhea if the animal licks it.

7. Place a Fire Sticker on Your Window . Fire hazards are at their peak during the winter months. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and include your pets when you develop a house fire evacuation plan. Place a sticker on your windows to alert firefighters that there are pets inside. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and to include your pets when you develop a house fire evacuation plan.

Rennie