1. We all know of the dangers of thin ice and keep our children away from ponds and rivers but what about our beloved dogs? Every year we hear of dogs that have fallen through the ice on a pond or have escaped and are standing on treacherously thin ice on a river. Be aware of these dangers. Some off leash parks have ponds or rivers nearby and your dog can’t tell the difference between safe and unsafe ice. It may be safer to keep your dog leashed at this time and keep him away from danger.
2. Antifreeze is highly toxic to dogs so be aware of any spillage. It smells very tempting to a dog so keep them away.
3. Ice Melt and Salt can make your dog sick if they lick their paws after walking through it. Wipe your dogs paws after a walk or have them wear boots to protect their feet.
4. Cracked and bleeding paws. Protect them with boots and use a dog specific foot balm to help them heal.
5. Be aware of the temperature to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. A dog picking up his paws when he’s outside is a sure sign he needs to come inside. Also make sure to watch their ears too. When the temperature drops, it is generally not a good time to leave your fur babies outside for any length of time. We know there are some breeds that are made for the cold and snow but many pets are not.