Winter Hazards for Our Pets

If we humans find snow and ice such an inconvenience, imagine how our furry companions feel! The rock salt that we spread all over the ground to help combat the slippery ice can actually wreak havoc on the sensitive little paws of our doggy friends. The salt can also be damaging to their noses, skin and even digestive systems if ingested. So how can we be more careful in the wintertime to protect our precious puppies?

woman holding a dog in snow


Keep Your Pup’s Feet Dry

It’s a good idea to rinse or wipe your dog’s feet off if they’ve been walking in the salt and ice. But make sure to dry them afterward. Wetness behind your dog’s toes can lead to bacterial or yeast infections, so it’s essential to keep their feet dry after spending time outdoors. Golden retrievers and labs are prone to skin infections due to wetness, as are most dogs with longer fur. If you own a long-haired breed, it’s a smart idea to keep the hair around their nails trimmed. This can cut down on bacterial growth.

Buy a Cute Dog Jacket and Booties

It’s impossible to keep your dog’s feet dry during the winter. So if you have a dog with sensitive skin, it might be worth it to buy your pal some booties. Dog booties are great to have for walks and playtime outside in the cold temps and look adorable. You might as well buy a matching jacket for those booties to complete the look. The jacket will give your dog an extra layer of warmth for those winter walks. Salt and ice melting products can easily stain fabrics, so when I don’t have time to remove the stains when I do the laundry, I would throw my dog’s outfits in with my clothes when I make my weekly trip to the dry cleaner near me.

Keep Up With Regular Vet Visits

Dogs can sick in the wintertime just like us. If you notice your doggy has a cough, or is fatigued and just “off”, be sure to take him or her to the vet right away. Sometimes special compounded medications or antibiotics with different strengths or flavors may be necessary to suit your pet’s unique biochemistry, so don’t try to treat them at home without the advice of a professional pharmacist.

Dogs are special. They keep us company, keep us safe, provide companionship for elderly and those with special needs, and they’re our best friends. Be sure to take care of your furry friends this winter, just like they take care of us!


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