With winter storms raging and temperatures plummeting all across the country now’s the time to look out for the safety of your home, your family, and your pets. All too often, dogs and cats suffer from serious injuries throughout the winter season simply because of the frigid temperatures, widespread use of ice melt, and increasingly poor indoor air quality. That’s why it’s so important to protect your pets this season with these helpful tips from experienced, professional organizations.
Invest in a Humidifier
When your home heating is cranked up the moisture in your air is sucked out which can easily lead to a wide variety of health issues both for yourself and your pets. Most common of these issues is dry, flaky, itchy skin which for most people is simply a minor annoyance but which can cause pets to scratch themselves raw. That’s why the ASPCA advises homeowners to invest in humidifiers. A humidifier installation is a quick and easy solution to keep everyone in the house more healthy and comfortable throughout the winter season.
Set Up a Paw Bath Area
If it’s impossible to keep your pets inside throughout the whole season it’s crucial to limit time outside in the freezing temperatures but it’s equally important to thoroughly clean and dry your dogs and cats paws when they come back in. Snow and ice melt is made of calcium-chloride or sodium-chloride, both of which can cause serious health issues if it’s licked up by later or simply left to set into your favorite animal’s paws. Set up a paw bath area with a pot of warm water and clean, dry towels near your front entry door and back patio door and do a careful job cleaning their paws as soon as they come inside. It may not be their favorite activity but they’re sure to thank you in the long run.
Watch Out for Antifreeze
Cars need antifreeze to dependably run in the freezing temperatures that winter brings, unfortunately your puppies find the smell and taste of most antifreeze to be irresistible. Whether you’re out for a quick walk, your dog’s spending time with you in your garage, or you happened to track some spilled antifreeze home on your boots, just a few licks of the spill can be fatal to man’s best friend. Keep a close eye out for any antifreeze spills and for any bizarre behavior from your pets. Signs of antifreeze poisoning in dogs include convulsions and seemingly drunken behaviors like disorientation. If you notice these signs, quickly get in touch with your veterinarian.
Keep an Eye Out for Your Outdoor Pets
Your pets should spend as much time as possible indoors during the winter months but if you have an outdoor cat that simply refuses to stick at home or if you have strays in the area there are a few ways you can help them stay safe and comfortable this winter. Leave out more food and water than you usually would and check the water bowl periodically to make sure it hasn’t frozen over. Additionally, make sure that you quickly and thoroughly do all your snow removal work to keep access to the food and water clear. If you want to go all out to help the neighborhood pets make a simple, dry, raised area on your back deck which can be used as shelter. You’ll be helping plenty of animals survive the tough winter with just a bit of extra work on your part.
