Winter Dangers to Your Dog

[Tony Avisato]

Winter is quickly approaching and while the winter months can be lots of fun for you and your dog, there are a few precautions you should take to make sure your dog is healthy and happy all season long.

Here are seven of the biggest dangers your dog will face this winter season:

Cold - Don't think the cold just hurts people; it can hurt dogs too. Don't leave your pooch out too long, like a child they don't always know when to come in from the cold.

Antifreeze - Antifreeze is a danger any time of the year. Dogs love the sweet taste of antifreeze and it only takes a very small amount to kill them. If you see your pet drinking antifreeze, get them to a vet as quickly as possible. If your dog appears intoxicated, it may have ingested antifreeze and needs immediate attention. Don't wait! Although your dog may appear to get better, he's not. Be suspicious of any vomiting and increased thirst as these are possibly symptoms of poisoning..

Ice Treatments - Be careful when you’re out and about on cold days. Road treatments used to break up and melt ice are toxic to dogs. If they are used in your area, it is a good idea to wipe your dog’s feet off when you get back home.

Snow - My dog loves the snow despite being a little guy. For smaller dogs, moving around in just a few inches of snow can be difficult. Keep an eye out to make sure he doesn't get stuck or strike something in the snow like a sharp piece of ice. When the snow is too deep for our sheltie, we often shovel out a path or two for him to navigate when going to potty. When the pooch comes in, check between his toes to make sure there is no ice stuck in there.

Christmas Foods - There are a variety of foods that are not good for your dog. Chocolate, almonds and peaches are among the list and we often have foods in the house during the holiday season we may not have around during the rest of the year. If you don't know something is okay don't give it to your dog.

Christmas Decorations - If your dog is a chewer, make sure any Christmas light wires are out of reach.

Fire and Heaters - This is pretty obvious; watch your dog’s skin for signs of being too dry, like excessive itching and consult your vet about possible treatments.

Keep your pet safe this winter and always consult a veterinary professional with questions or concerns.