Did you know that the risk of poisoning for pets skyrockets during the winter due to the widespread use of rock salt and antifreeze in and around our homes? Or that the colder months often bring about paw injuries, such as soreness, cracking, and chemical burns?
Don’t let these potential dangers deter you from enjoying your winter walks with your furry companions. Instead, stay informed about the most common risks that pets face in the cold season and take proactive steps to keep them safe.
Common Winter Hazards for Pets
1. Ice Melts & Rock Salt
Rock salt, a widely used ice-melting agent, is liberally spread on streets, sidewalks, and driveways during winter. Unfortunately, it can easily become lodged between your pets’ toes, leading to irritation, dryness, cracking, and, in severe cases, chemical burns. Dogs that lick rock salt off their paws may experience oral irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort. Ingesting larger quantities can cause dehydration, pancreatitis, and even liver failure.
2. Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a common anti-freezing agent found in cars and homes, and it contains ethylene glycol, a colorless and odorless chemical that is lethal to pets even in small amounts. Many pets have been poisoned after licking antifreeze off the garage floor or from toilet bowls when it’s used for pipe ‘winterization.’ Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning include vomiting and abdominal pain.
3. Frostbite and Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to frostbite, causing damage to skin and tissue, as well as hypothermia, which involves dangerously low body temperatures. As a general rule, if it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s also too cold for your pet. Frostbite most commonly affects paws, ears, and extremities, and wet pets are especially susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.
4. Ice Balls
Dogs with furry paws can easily trap ice balls, which can contain harmful ice-melting chemicals that are ingested when dogs lick their paws. Prevent ice balls by using winter boots for your pet or trimming their furry paws.
Protecting Your Pet During Winter
1. Dog Boots
Dog boots are the best way to safeguard your pet’s paws during the winter. Although not all dogs readily accept wearing shoes, products like PawZ by Top Paw, snug rubber slip-ons available on Amazon, are effective at keeping paws warm and preventing salt from sticking to them.
2. Wiping
After walking your pet through snow or ice, make it a habit to wipe or wash their paws with a warm cloth. While there are various pet wipes available, sensitive baby wipes prove to be a cost-effective and convenient choice.
3. Protective Balms
Consider using a wax-based cream like Musher’s Secret to protect your pet’s paws from snow, ice, and salt. An alternative, safe option is petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
4. Humidifier
Artificially heated indoor air is often dry, which can lead to dry skin and cracked paws. Adding a humidifier can introduce moisture to the air, benefiting both your pet’s skin and paws, as well as your own.
5. Reduce Bathing Frequency
Ordinarily, it’s recommended to bathe a healthy dog once a month using a mild dog shampoo or even human baby shampoo like Johnson’s. However, in the winter, the dry, heated air makes your pet’s skin more susceptible to dryness and cracking. So, it’s best to avoid bathing your pet during the winter unless it’s absolutely necessary. If your pet doesn’t have an odor, there’s no need for a bath.
