Winter Pet Care Tips

But, the winter season does bring pet health concerns and risks for both dogs and cats. Before you continue your daily routine with your pet, read these pet care tips to prevent winter health issues. 

Frostbite

Frost bite sets in when the body gets cold, too cold to be outside. When frostbite sets in, the tail, ears and paws will start to suffer. Although frostbite may not be immediately obvious, it can have damaging effects to dog parts of the body - mostly found on dog footpads. (If they get too cold, they may start to crack - similar to our knuckles.) This action is quite painful for dogs and can be uncomfortable for many weeks. Consider dog booties to protect the paws and avoid walking in areas where there are huge build-ups of snow or ice.

Watch for signs of frostbite in dogs including: grey skin and areas of the body that now appear to be painful. To prevent frostbite in dogs, bring them inside to a warm spot and wipe off snow from their paws and body with a dry towel. 

Hypothermia

If the dog spends too much time in mushy, wet snow, the dog risks hypothermia. Dogs with Hypothermia appear weak and may shiver uncontrollably. As Hypothermia progresses, dogs may show signs of lethargy and depression. Dogs will need to be wiped down with a clean towel and get inside.

Ticks

Although tick activity is most common during the warmer, spring and summer months, tick species are still out-and-about in woody and grassy areas. To keep warm in the winter, ticks will hide underneath fire logs and leaves until they can find a warm-blooded mammal (dog, human) to feed. After your dog is through playing in the snow, thoroughly check for ticks. Tick disease, including Lyme Disease, remains an on-going concern.

Note: It is advised to keep leaf piles and firewood away from homes to prevent ticks from crawling inside homes. 

Hydration

Same as in summer, just because your dog isn't visibly sweating, doesn't mean he/she isn't dehydrated. Be sure to keep your dog's water dish full of fresh drinking water. Dehydration in dogs can cause them to become weak, dizzy and nauseating.

Dog Grooming

As dogs play in the snow, and the dog hair gets wet, the hair can become matted. Properly grooming dogs will keep them well insulated in the cold weather. 

Wildlife Management

Deer and other wildlife are desperate to eat; and they will venture onto yards to search for food. While wild animals really want to eat flowers and winter crops from home gardens, they will attack small dogs and cats, if they feel threatened (or hungry enough). It's best to separate domestic from wild animal with pet fencing to keep wildlife at bay.