Are you one of those people who can’t wait for winter and the holidays? There’s lots of outdoor fun and good times to be had with your favorite furry companion, but it’s important that you’re aware of some seasonal hazards for pets:
- When it’s snowy and icy, remove ice, moisture, salt, and chemicals from your pet with a towel after every walk or outdoor excursion, paying special attention to paws and between toes if your dog won’t tolerate booties. You can also try protecting your pet’s paws and pads with a thin coating of petroleum jelly or even Musher’s Secret paw wax which is 100% natural and creates a breathable barrier to protect your pet’s paws.
- Skip the tinsel if you have cats. They’re very attracted to shiny objects and you don’t want them ingesting this or any other tree decorations. Lemon-scented air fresheners hung in in the branches can deter our feline friends from terrorizing your tree.
- Keep pets away from holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies, which are toxic to animals.
- Hydration is key in winter. Snow is not a good source of water for your pet, and if you’re doing some winter hiking with your dog, remember that streams and creeks are likely frozen over. Also make your pet’s outside sources of water remain unfrozen as well.
- Chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, currants, macadamia nuts, and walnuts are all on the naughty list for pets as these foods can make them seriously ill. Also, beware xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, candy and peanut butter) that can cause illness and even death.
- Beer, wine & other alcohol is dangerous for pets—keep glasses and cans above snout level.
- Beware antifreeze. It’s 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.
- Don’t leave pets in cars! Just as vehicles can quickly become ovens in summer, they can also become refrigerators in very cold weather, and pets could freeze to death inside.