Winter Safety for Your Pet
Pets can be poisoned by a variety of toxins typically used in the wintertime. Other cold-weather complications can harm pets if you don’t take measures to protect them.
Winter is the time to sled and build snowmen during the day and snuggle by the fire at night. Though it can be a lot of fun, winter also presents a unique set of hazards for pets. In areas that get cold and snowy, temperatures can get downright dangerous for pets, especially for those who aren’t built for the cold.
Cats and short-coated and single-coated dogs don’t fare well in frigid temperatures, and even Huskies and Malamutes can experience problems if they’re not used to the cold or don’t have adequate shelter. When the nights get cold and snowy, bring pets inside and make sure working dogs have a good doghouse with warm bedding, like straw or woodchips. Though frostbite and hypothermia is more rare in dogs than in humans, it does happen and the best thing to do is to bring pets in when the temperatures drop.
Winter Hazards
Pets can be poisoned during the colder months by a variety of toxins typically used in the wintertime. Other cold-weather complications can harm pets if you don’t take measures to protect them. Here are some things to watch out for:
Automotive fluids:
You may have heard that antifreeze is dangerous (only a few teaspoons can kill a pet), but you might not be aware that windshield washer fluid is just as hazardous to animals. Pets can lick up antifreeze and washer fluid from puddles that don’t freeze. If your dog or cat has access to automotive areas (garages, driveways or streets), your pet may be in danger of antifreeze or windshield washer fluid poisoning.
De-icing products:
Ice melting products are another hazard for your pets. When you walk your dog (or when your cat takes a stroll outside), the pet can pick up this caustic stuff on his paws and later lick it off. Some states use salt and magnesium chloride on the roads as well. If you walk your dog on de-iced roads or sidewalks, make sure your dog wears booties to keep the icky stuff off and your dog safe.
Rodent poison:
If you live in a rural or semi-rural area, you may see more mice move in when the thermometer drops. You or your neighbors may be tempted to rid yourself of these pests with rodent poison. Unfortunately, cats and dogs often find dead mice and eat them, along with the poison. Poisoned rodents often go outside to look for water and die out in the open. If you must exterminate rodents, use humane and safe traps rather than poisons and keep your cats and dogs from roaming. If you let your dog loose in a fenced-in yard, check the area before letting him out, and try to keep your cat inside for the winter.
Holiday foods:
Various holiday season foods are toxic to your pet, including chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins and onions. Even fatty meats and table scraps can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Sharp bones from the holiday turkey and other meats can perforate intestines.
Holiday plants:
Mistletoe is terribly poisonous and holly is dangerous for pets as well. Lilies are deadly to cats. You can find out more about toxic plants at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc
The ASPCA has a 24-hour hotline to deal with pet poisoning cases. A $55 fee per incident (with unlimited follow-ups) may apply. They can be reached at (888) 426-4435.
Cars and cats:
If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat or if there are stray cats in your neighborhood, your car can become a kitty deathtrap. Cats love warmth, so after you park the car, the heat from the engine can entice even the wariest of felines. Your cat could be seriously maimed or killed the next time you start your engine. Keep your kitty inside and honk your horn before you start your engine.
Margaret H. Bonham is a four-time award-winning author of 22 books, including Dog Grooming for Dummies, A Dog's Wisdom, Take Me Home: Dogs Make Great Pets and Take Me Home: Cats Make Great Pets.