Protecting your Pet from Winter Weather
During these frigid winter months, be aware of the hidden dangers that your pet may be up against! From frostbite to dry skin, there are many things that appear during the winter that we as pet owners can often forget about.
Be on the Lookout for Winter Chemicals & Toxins
Some of the most common winter chemicals, and also the most dangerous, are anti-freeze and coolants. Dogs (as well as children) are often attracted to the smell of antifreeze, and even a small taste of it can be fatal due to a chemical called propylene glycol.
Additionally, ice melting salt that is spread over sidewalks and streets is another winter chemical that can be harmful to your dog. If ingested, the salt can upset their stomachs. Additionally, sidewalk salt can dry out your dog’s paws causing possible cracks and cuts- ouch! So be sure to rinse your dogs paws after a walk to remove any salt. If they show signs of discomfort while walking on salted surfaces, consider using a pair of booties to protect their paws.(1)
If your cat has access to the outdoors, try your best to keep them inside, or at least limit their time outdoors. Cats can also be harmed by these winter chemicals & toxins.
Don’t let your pet get too cold!
Frostbite appears when the dogs body gets too cold, most commonly in the ears, paws and tails. You can prevent this by keeping your pet from being outdoors for too long. Keep your winter walks short and try to take them out when the sun is shining. (2) A change in skin color, or limping and slowing down while walking can be signs of frostbite in the feet.
If your dog does not have a thick coat of fur, consider dressing them in a sweater or coat when you take them outside to walk or play. “A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly.” (1)
Moisturize to Prevent Excessive Dryness
When returning from outdoor time in the snow, check your dogs paws for any excess ice or snow that may be stuck between toes. Dry them off with a towel when they return indoors. (2) If your dog is long haired, trimming the fur between their toes can help prevent wetness from turning into ice buildup between their toes!
If you notice any dryness or cracks forming in the pads of their feet after a walk, try massaging petroleum jelly or coconut oil into their feet prior to their next walk. (1, 2) Additionally, be sure to warm up their feet, ears and tail as soon as you are back inside your home.
Prevent dry flaky skin by adding LICKS Littes or Dog Skin & Allergy + Shiny Coat formula to your pets meals! This natural supplement helps keep your pets fur shiny and healthy, especially during cold months!
If your dog is particularly active, factors like extreme temperatures, heavy winds and snow/wetness can activate stiff joints and arthritis. Try using our natural mobility supplement Dog Joint +Heart to be sure your pup’s joints stay lubricated despite these winter obstacles. This mobility supplement is also available for small breed dogs -> Littles Joint + Heart.
We didn’t forget about cats! Like humans, cats (especially cats with access to the outdoors), become more susceptible to illnesses during the winter. LICKS Cat Immunity formula helps build their immune system to fight viruses and common colds before they begin.
