Winter tips for dog owners

Winter Tips For Pet Owners

Exposure to dry, cold air or winters rain can cause your pet pads to dry out and become uncomfortable. Likewise, the chapping and itchy skin may also happen when they are in contact with snow & sleet. However, winter walks can be hazardous when they come in contact with chemicals from ice-melting agents. To avoid the negative consequences of cold weather, please follow our experts’ advice:

  • Repeatedly going from a cold climate to a warmer one can cause itchy skin. Make sure your home is well-humidified and ensure you dry your pet off as soon as they come in from outside, paying particular attention to their feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow that's collected on them.

  • It is not recommended that you shave your dog down to the skin in winter as because his coat will be able to keep him warmer. If he is long haired, you can simply trim him to minimize the freezing ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his live. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck. Choose one that goes from the base of the tail to the belly to maximize coverage. For many dogs, this is what they need for winter.

  • Bring a towel on long walks to keep your pet's paws from getting irritated. After each walk, clean off any ice or salt and wash off any chemicals they may have stepped in. Check their paw pads and toes for cracks or redness.

  • Pets should not be washed or wetted too often during cold spells. Too much washing can remove natural oils your pets need for healthy skin and thus increase the chance of developing dry skin. If your pet needs to be cleaned, consult with your vet about soap options that are specially made for animals.

  • You can protect your paws from salt and chemicals by applying products like petroleum jelly or paw pads before heading outdoors. Booties provide even better coverage and can also protect your paws from sand & salt. Please use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.

  • If you have pets, be sure to clean up any spillages of antifreeze from your vehicle and if possible use a product which doesn't contain ethylene glycol. Antifreeze is highly toxic poison so can result in a quick and painful death for animals if ingested.

  • Feed your pets a little bit more during the winter months to make up for the energy they are burning. They need to drink plenty of water as well. This way, both you and your pet will stay healthy during the winter season.

  • Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, preferably with a blanket or pillow. A bed with a high-quality cover is perfect for this.

  • Keep your pets indoors if the temperature is too low for you. The animal should be snug inside an insulated pet house, which can also provide a good visual indicator that they're safe and comfortable. Pets are vulnerable if left outdoors, they can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen or killed. Always keep them safe inside the house when it's cold out. And take special care not to leave your pet in a car during winter weather because cars act as refrigerators that continue to hold in the cold and put your pet's life at risk.

  Please call Superior Compounding Pharmacy to speak with one of our licensed pharmacists today at 734-404-6065. We can help answer any pet medication questions that you may have.