6 Winter Safety Tips For Your Dog

November 06, 2017 2 min read 0 Comments

SitStay Blog: 6 Winter Safety Tips For Your Dog

Winter is quickly approaching. Keeping your canine comrades safe from the onslaught of colder temperatures and other threatening hazards should be on your to-do list. What should you do to prepare your pets for the upcoming months? How do they avoid those unhealthy hazards? Here's what to look out for so you can help them steer clear of those worrisome winter dangers.

Things to Watch Out For

Dropping Temperatures

Tip Number #1- If you fear what the cold will do to your pets, keep them indoors. It's always easier to keep them out of harm's way when you're their personal "watchdog."

Tip Number #2- Layers are a helpful way to stave off the chill. Sweaters, jackets, and booties (which are great to put on your pups feet so they don't come in contact with toxic melt) are cozy for humans and their furry friends.

Harmful Chemical Substances

While anti-freeze or ice melt is great for ensuring you and your pets don't slip, they can cause harmful health effects if your curious pup decides to munch.

Tip Number #3- Use non-toxic anti-icing products for your home and avoid places that don't use pet-friendly ice melt.

Chewing on ornaments, bubble lights and even the liquid in snow globes can trigger health issues like depression, gastro issues, and various other dastardly effects. 

Tip Number #4- Put them up out of puppy access or avoid using them altogether. This saves you the anxiety of a late night vet call!

Too Hot to Touch

Ashes and pebbles (side effects of a fireplace) are dangerous to your curious counterparts when ingested. Tails, paws and long fur are all vulnerable

Tip Number #5- If your pet hasn't been trained in fire safety (to avoid hot areas) the best offense is a good defense. Gates to block out anxious pups act as a workable buffer stopping pets from feeling the burn. 

Deadly Flora

Poinsettias aren't the deadliest plant to your snuggly friend. They are only mildly toxic. The real danger is in holly, mistletoe, and lilies. Festive but near fatal, these plants can cause health emergencies from gastrointestinal problems to heart arrhythmia when ingested. Some reports of kidney failure in pets have been discovered in felines when lily leaves are eaten. Click here to read 10 Plants That Are Toxic To Your Dog! 

Tip Number #6- Skip the bouquets and replace it with the pet-friendly decor.

Keeping your best friend safe this winter is the best gift they could receive!