Yes, it is that time of year again, when the earth is covered in a soft blanket of snow.  We love frolicking in the snow and doing outdoor activities in the brisk air. Our fuzzy friends love joining us in these activities as well!  Just as we keep ourselves safe from the cold and ice, we need to remember that our animal companions need to take similar precautions.  Here are a few safety measures to keep in mind during the colder months. 

1.        During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

2.     Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.  We have some wonderful products that can help prevent and remove snow, salt, and ice from your animal companion’s paws.  Please call our office and speak to any staff member about these products!

3.     Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

4.     Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 

If you have any questions on safety for your pets, do not hesitate to call our office.  We are here to answer all your questions! We also have some literature in our office, so, please feel free to stop in and speak with any of our staff members!