Cold Weather Pet Safety: Tips from a Fishers Vet

When the weather outside is frightful, taking steps to ensure your pet’s safety is crucial. While most pet parents would never dream of leaving their fur baby in their car on a hot summer day, many aren’t nearly as mindful of the potential dangers to pets when the weather is cold. Keep these tips in mind to keep your furry family member safe this winter. 

 

 

Understand Your Pet’s Limits

Some pets can handle the cold better than others. A full-coated Husky, for example, can endure winter’s chill a lot better than, say, a hairless Sphinx cat. Elderly and very pets, animals with thin and/or short coats, and those with certain health problems tend to be more susceptible to cold. Just like people, pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, so make sure you understand your pet’s limits and don’t allow them to get too cold. As a general rule, if it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for your pet. 

Wipe Your Dog’s Paws After Walks

During the winter, picks can pick up all sorts of nasty things on their paws, including salt, de-icer, and antifreeze. Always wipe your dog’s paws off as soon as you return home from walks, and only use pet-safe de-icers on your own property. 

Give Cats Warning Before Starting Your Car

In the winter, cats commonly climb inside vehicle engine compartments or wheel wells to beat the chill. Unfortunately, if you start your car while a cat is cozied up in one of your vehicle’s nooks or crannies, serious injuries or death can occur. Always knock on the hood or blow the horn before starting your car to give any snoozing kitties a chance to escape before you crank up the engine. 

Leave Them at Home

A freezing cold car is just as dangerous as a hot one. Pets should never be left in vehicles unattended. It’s also best to leave your pet at home when you need to travel in inclement weather to eliminate the risk of them being injured in a car accident. 

Schedule a Checkup with a Fishers Vet

If it’s been a while since your pet’s last checkup, now is a good time to schedule an appointment with a Fishers vet. A wellness exam provides an opportunity for a veterinarian to uncover health problems and begin appropriate treatment. With the New Year just around the corner, now is an excellent time to resolve to remain on top of your pet’s health in 2021. 

At PetVet Animal Hospital, we’re here to provide the expert care your companion needs. Call now to schedule an appointment.