If you live in a colder climate in winter there are ways to ensure your pet is healthy and comfortably out of danger during the winter.
Although most dogs will grow a winter coat, it is still hard to understand why some people keep their dogs outdoors all night in the freezing weather of winter. If your dog is out in the cold for long periods of time, especially if the temperatures are below zero it can surely freeze your dog to death.
The belief that dogs can exist outdoors all night as long as they are in a dog house is not true or healthy. This would kill most dogs even as winter temperatures might appear to be getting warmer due to global warming. It does not take long for a cold snap to set in over nite and result in sub zero temperatures.
Frostbite can result when spending too much time outside on a cold night or a long walk in sub-zero temperatures. There are dog coats for this type of cold weather and its well worth the effort to put them on before venturing out into the cold weather for your dog's comfort and protection. Dogs and pets in general must be kept dry and away from drafty areas as well as the dampness or rain.
Groom your dog regularly and especially after walks in the winter as snow can accumulate between a dog's toes which makes walking difficult and sometimes painful. Dry and wash your dog's four paws after each walk, and watch for cracked pads on the bottom, put some grape seed oil or olive oil on their feet to protect them from cracking and sores. After a walk remove the snow and ice between toes and wash the paws of any salt or other chemicals used to melt icy roads. These chemical additives used to melt ice on winter roads these days, not only includes salt but other chemicals and dirt which can harm the paws.
Your dog's appetite will increase in the colder weather especially if it spends a lot of time outdoors. Serve your pet's meals warm, and loading some extra calories will keep them warm outside for daily walks.
Pet owners must be aware when playing near frozen rivers, streams, lakes, or canal where ice can be thin especially with warmer weather during the day. While ice appears to be solid, it sometimes is very thin and cannot hold the weight of a larger dog or a small child.
Do not leave your dog alone in the car, even with the engine on or off. It is preferable to leave your dog at home when very cold, that to freeze the dog in the car for hours while you shop, unless some one is in the car with the dog.
Poisonous Objects and House Christmas Plants:
Poinsettias, and Holly can be poisonous to dogs or cats. Keep these plants on high tables where pets cannot get to the leaves of the plant.
Tinsel is dangerous if swallowed, it's basically plastic with aluminum colored paint which more than likely contains lead. Avoid using glass ornaments on the trees where the dog can knock them down and eat them.
Keep chocolates out of reach of the dog, and sugar items such as cookies or cakes, on the coffee table...where they are accessible by your dog.
Holiday times are stressful for everyone including your dog...when you have a houseful of guests dogs may become anxious, stressed out. Make sure the dog has plenty of fresh water, as the dry heat indoors and low humidity in the winter can dehydrate your dog. Allow for some quite time in a room where they can be alone, or a walk outside for a break from the hustle and bustle of the visitors.
Trees, whether artificial or real pose a threat if the dog chokes on the needles. or tries to eat the tree. Usually they are attracted by the lights and glimmer of a decorated tree and will eat the ornaments. Commercial ornaments contain harmful paints and colors and can break into small pieces of plastic and glass that if swallowed can cost you to get out of your dog's throat after a trip to the Veterinarian.
Review your dog's stocking or treats, and make sure you do not get bacteria laden pig's ears or harmful treats, by buying organic treats or healthy biscuits with parsley for instance that helps eliminate bad breathe. Do not chose rawhide bones for dogs as they break off and can choke a dog instantly.
Use common sense and these guidelines to keep your dog healthy during the Christmas Holidays and for the New Year.
| Teri Salvador is a freelance writer with a site primarily on dog health issues that offers frequently updated articles on natural remedies, pet product reviews and current articles on pet foods. You will read it first on DogHealth1.com even before CNN gets around to covering the story. Visit: http://www.DogHealth1.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment