Christmas is around the corner and we want to enjoy the party with all our family members and friends including our most beloved four-legged friends. It is very important to take special care of our pets during the cold months of winter and here are some useful tips shared by expert veterinarians.
Never Let Your Pet Be Alone In the Car
Just like summer, winter too is dreadful for the pets if they are left alone in the cars. A car holds cold inside like a freezer in the winter and your pet may possibly freeze even to death.
Prevent Frostbite
Just like we humans, cats and dogs too suffer from frostbite if they are exposed to very cool temperatures for a significant time. If you see your pet shivering or their feet, ears or tail becoming red, understand that it is the frostbite and bring them inside at once. In the advanced cases of frostbite, paleness or patches are seen on their feet, tail and ears.
Look for Arthritis Symptoms
Again just like humans, our pets develop arthritis in cold weather. Look for the symptoms like trouble in getting up or sitting or lying down, climbing stairs, or crying when being lifted. If you see these symptoms, take your pet to the vet. Don’t ever self-medicate them with human prescription or OTC drugs without the advice of your vet. Most of these drugs are harmful to pets. Several arthritis treatments are available for animals. Also see to it that your pet gets a comfortable bed, heated floor mat or non-electric warm bed.
Keep them Active
Veterinarians are of strong opinion that you should keep your pet active during winter for their overall health and fitness.
Nothing Wrong to Cover them with Clothes
There is nothing wrong if you put clothes on your pets to keep them warm, especially while walking them out. Smaller dogs particularly are not used to extreme cold and need protection.
Keep Away Antifreeze
Antifreeze is extremely toxic to humans as well as animals and our pets are easily addicted to its sweet smell and flavor. Dogs and cats love to sample some if it is left in a container or spilled on the floor. If you think that your pet has encountered with antifreeze, contact your vet immediately. The effect of treatment depends on fast protective measures.
Keep Away Rodenticides
During cold months of winter we usually have to fight rodents who intrude our homes. And we keep rodenticides and other poisons to fight them. Ensure to keep these chemicals beyond reach of your pets.
Ensure About Enough Drinking Water
Pets require fresh water all the time. If you are in a habit of keeping their drinking water outside, ensure that it doesn’t freeze.
Look Around While Starting Your Vehicle
Pets are habituated to sit near something warm in cold weather like car engines. If your pet is sitting like this near your car engine and if you start the car ignorantly, serious damage can occur to the pet, so look around while starting the car.