Here are seven safety tips for your pets this winter.
1. Bring them indoors
Inside is the safest place for your pets in the winter, so keep them inside when not out exercising or relieving themselves.
2. Watch for hypothermia
Older dogs, those with thin coats, puppies and those with chronic illness are at a higher risk of hypothermia. Watch for pale skin, weakness, low heart rate, lethargy, and weakness.
3. Consider a coat
There's no shortage of winter gear out there for dogs, from booties to save their feet from ice and salt, to jackets for thin-haired dogs. Consider these options, especially if you're going on longer walks.
4. Know where your cats are
Even if your cat is an outdoor pet, always keep an eye to them, as they will look for places that are warm while outside too long. Bang on the hood of your car before getting in and consider a heated water bowl, to prevent it freezing and causing dehydration.
5. Be prepared for longer walks
Just like humans, dogs use more energy staying warm in the cold. Bring lots of water and extra treats if you're going on a long walk with your pooch in the winter.
6. Store antifreeze safely
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a poison that can cause kidney failure and death in dogs and cats if as little as one teaspoon is consumed. While it's common sense to store bottles of antifreeze safely out of the reach of pets, most poisonings occur when the liquid leaks from car radiators and a pet licks it up off the ground.
7. Watch those holiday hazards
We've talked about this one before and reviewing these tips is always a good idea when preparing for the holidays.
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