COLD-WEATHER PET SAFETY TIPS

Many pets love to go for a romp in the snow... but with the cold weather, some extra precautions should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets: Keep your pet warm. Do not leave them outside for extended periods in the cold weather, as hypothermia and frostbite are real hazards. Watch for shivering. Some pets may require a sweater or jacket to help keep them warm when walking in the cold. Keep antifreeze out of your pet's reach. Pets are attracted to the taste of antifreeze, yet it's extremely poisonous! Amounts as little as a teaspoon can be lethal. Clean spills immediately. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your vet immediately for instruction. Help keep your pets' paws free of snow, ice, and winter chemicals. Snow collected in between your dog's paw pads can be painful -- just like if we were to walk with pebbles in our shoes! Chemicals such road salt can irritate their paws and cause upset stomachs if ingested. Dog 'booties' are one way to protect your pooch's paws. Be aware of your surroundings when walking the pooch. For example: Keep pets away from frozen lakes or rivers. It's difficult to tell how thick or thin the ice is, and pets (and people!) have been known to fall through. Stay especially alert in areas actively used for winter activities such as tobogganing, skiing, snowmobiling, etc. to avoid collisions between them and your pet. Watch for ice -- senior pets or pets with mobility problems may find it hard to navigate safely on slippery surfaces. Take a different path, or assist them if needed. Adjust food intake to suit your pet's winter activity level. For instance, if your dog doesn't get as much exercise in the cold winter months, feed him a little less to prevent him from putting on extra weight. Have fun! Many dogs love the snow and the cold, crisp air, and the exercise is good for them. Be safe!

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Need a calendar? Contact your local humane society to see if there's a calendar available for sale. You'll be helping animals in need (and getting a cool calendar while you're at it!). Does your Canadian non-profit organization have an upcoming event? We want to hear about it! Please contact us.

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