02/13/2024
PET SAFETY ALERT!
During blizzard conditions, it’s imperative to keep a keen eye out for our own pets and for those of our community. If you see a pet outside who does not seem to have a guardian, please call 911 right away.
Tips for Winter Dog Care
• Put a cozy sweater on your dog. Small, short-haired dogs, especially, can get cold very easily since they are not bred for the chilly North Eastern winters. Help them manage the cold in style with a festive sweater or jacket.
• After coming inside from the snow, make sure to dry your pet thoroughly with a towel, paying special attention to their paws and underside. Wet fur can quickly lead to hypothermia.
• Symptoms of hypothermia in pets include shivering, lethargy, shallow breathing, and muscle stiffness. If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet indoors immediately and contact your veterinarian.
• Avoid the salt! The salt used to melt snow and ice can be very irritating and harmful to the pads of your dog’s feet. You can try putting booties on their feet for walks, if they’ll tolerate it.
• Pamper your dog after a cold and wet walk. Make sure to clean and dry their paws to help avoid cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
• Try not to let your dog lick or eat any old snow or ice. Chemicals such as antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, are highly poisonous. Although it may smell and taste good to your dog, it can be lethal.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a good substitute for water.
