15 tips supported by the veterinarian to keep your cats and dogs safe in winter
These veterinary safety tips guarantee a winter without incident for your pet.
Unfortunately, winter poses a whole ball of health andSecurity risks for cats and dogs. Between the toxic salt on the ground outside and the tight tensions and the Christmas lights inside, the season is full ofPet health risks Wherever you look! If you want to go through the cooler months of the year without going to the veterinarian, these expert tips forKeep your cat or dog safe in winter are guaranteed to make you go through the season without incident.
1 Do not cut on daily walks.
During the winter, when the weather outdoors is frightening and your vacation holiday list is much less than lovely, it's easy to leave daily walks and park travel with your dog falls at the edge of the way. However, "As you get up for the holidays, it's important to try to keep your pet's consumption habits and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible," saysDarlene Hernandez Geekie, RVT, CEO of Veterinary Angels Medical Center. Do a little time for your pets in winter goes a long way.
2 But make sure to protect their legs!
Between the snow, the ice and the salt on the ground, your dog must be cautious every time they go outside in winter. Fortunately, the Texas-based veterinarian andDog laboratory consultantSara Ochoa, DVM, note that "there are a lot of things you can put on your dog's feet to keep them protected. The boots are ideal for dogs who like to play in the snow."
3 Wipe your pet whenever they enter inside.
Whenever your dog plays out in winter, they risk rolling in or walking in this above-mentioned salt. If they try to lick their legs or fur,Human society Note that they can end up with salt intoxication. By wiping thoroughly with your dog with a towel whenever they come inside, you can avoid this type of scary situation.
4 Keep the poinsetties away from your pet.
Poinsettias could be pretty and festive, but if you use them to decorate your home this season, make sure you do not do it somewhere where your pets can reach them. "The poinsettias areToxic for animals, "Explains Ochoa. TheAspaper confirms that they can cause vomiting and general irritation when ingested.
5 Get out of the guitors off your pet.
The pods also constitute a serious risk for your pets. In fact, "in large quantities, a consuming GUI can cause hypotension, ataxia, convulsions and even a possible death," saysRachel Barrack, DVM, founder ofAnimal acupuncture At New York.
6 And hide these electrical cords.
It is perfect for hanging up Christmas lights during the holiday season. However, if you have domestic animals around, the barracks warns that you should keep electrical cords out of reach.
"If chewed, living electrical cords can cause oral burns, crises and even death," she explains. "Make sure you keep Christmas lightening inaccessible and disconnected when domestic animals are not supervised at home."
7 Make sure your pet does not drink in the water supply of the Christmas tree.
There are certain rules that pet owners must respect when it comes to their Christmas tree. The most important? Keep your dog or cat from the water supply of the tree. "Stagnant water (with or without fertilizers) can cause vomiting and diarrhea," the barracks.
8 Hide antifreeze out of reach.
The antifreeze is useful when cold weather threatens to destroy your car engine, but if you plan to use the product, make sure to keep your pet far from it. "Many types of antifreeze contain ethylene glycol toxic while tasting soft dogs," explainsJennifer COATES, DVM, member of the advisory board forPet of life today. "This is a potentially fatal combination, because the ingestion of ethylene glycol can result in serious kidney damage."
9 And only hang high upper ornaments.
When it comes time to decorate your Christmas tree, the barracks says you should make sure that you do not suspend ornaments anywhere where your cat or dog can the sweat. "Glass ornaments can break, cut off socket legs or face," she explains. "If ingested, they can also cause internal lacerations."
10 The same goes for the Tinsel.
"FISHINGlooks like a fun and festive game toy to a cat. If ingested, this may result in foreign body obstruction with the gastrointestinal tract requiring surgery, "warned of the barracks.
11 Keep your pet in another room when cleaning.
With all the mud that people tend to follow in the house during the winter, it seems that you always clean during the holidays. However, like chemicals such as ammonia, bleach and chlorine are dangerous for animals, make sure your pet is in another room when cleaning. "Even natural products can cause stomach irritations," warned of the barracks.
12 Make sure you throw candy packages.
Most animal owners already know thatChocolate is toxic for dogs and cats. However, what people do not realize is that the Wrappers that these candies enter are dangerous for domestic animals. "Candy wrappers can cause intestinal obstacles requiring surgery to set" Notes Barrack.
13 Pay attention to vacation dishes that you feed your pet.
It may be tempting to sneak your pet a small slice of ham at Christmas. However, you must pay attention to what you feed your dog - especially on vacation. Dry grapes, bacon, milk and onions are just some of the many foods that can "cause IM problems such as vomiting and diarrhea", such as Ochoa's notes.
14 If you have an external pet, make sure they have a kind of shelter.
"If your pets live outdoors, ask them to get out of the time and stay warm," suggests Ochoa. Even just a packagePlastic Container-Cat-Shelter Should be enough to keep your felines outdoors safe and hot when the weather becomes particularly bad.
15 And if your dog shivers, bring them inside.
Most dogs - coated with thickness, in particular can handle winter temperatures of pepper for a short time. However, veterinary dog sledSusan WhitonExplainin an interview That "if your dog shivers ... or [in] a fried position, it probably does too cold."
And do not assume that your dog's refusal come inside means they do not freeze. Often, too cold dogs will fight in a fetal position and remain motionless to maintain body heat on the left.