Winter
Pet CareTips
Advice
For The Colder Winter Months And Holiday Season
 |
Heartworm
Disease: This mosquito-transmitted disease
can be fatal to your dog. IN the areas that have a
year-round mosquito problem it is recommended that
dogs be kept on a heartworm preventative throughout
the year. After having your dog tested for heartworms
by your veterinarian, ask about heartworm preventatives,
available in chewable or pill form and given daily
or monthly.
|
|
Housing:
Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If
yours in and indoor pet, his bed or crate should be
kept in a worm, draft-free area, preferably elevated
slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors,
provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house
should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate
inside. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas)
to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen,
you might block the wind and weather with bales of straw
and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind
chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring
your pet inside.
|
|
Frostbite:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat
at once. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white
or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you
suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately.
Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm,
moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue
until the affected area becomes flush. Contact your
veterinarian as soon as possible; he/she will probably
want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
|
|
Snow
Removal Salt: Some substances produced to melt
ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending
on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels
and take necessary precautions. Keep these products
stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's
reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws
immediately.
|
|
Antifreeze:
Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal.
Precautions are necessary with all antifreeze products
on the market. Read labels and warnings carefully. Thoroughly
clean up spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly
and store them where pets cannot get to them.
|
|
Napping
Cats: Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines
for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the
hood and honk the horn. Even if your own cat dose not
have access to you vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have
taken shelter there.
|
|
Food:
Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet
accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your
veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.
|
|
Water:
Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet.
If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water
frequently since it may freeze.
|
Special
Holiday Tips
The
holidays can create special dangers for your pets. Here
are a few
tips to help keep your pets safe during this special time
of year.
- Increased
activity and visitors during the holiday season can upset
your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular
schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure he gets
plenty of love.
-
If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting
friends and relatives during the holiday season, be sure
to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is
welcome. Because of the excitement during this holiday
season, it might be best for you and your pet to board
your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter.
-
Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates,
rich, fatty, food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic
to pets. Keep you pet on his regular diet and caution
visitors against giving your pet "special treats".
-
Never put ribbons of yarn around your pet's neck and do
not allow your pet to play with plastic or foil wrapping
or six-pack beverage holders.
- Cover
or tack down electrical cords.
Some
Other Dangers Common To This Season Of The
Year Are Listed Below:
Plants
Mistletoe
- Very toxic, all parts, especially the berries.
Holly - Moderate to very toxic, especially the berries
and leaves.
Poinsettia - Leaves and stems low in toxicity.
Christmas Greens such as Balsam, Jupiter, Cedar, Pine,
and Fir -All parts of these plants have low level of
toxicity.
Hibiscus - May cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea
if ingested.
Keep toxic plants out of your pet's and children's reach.
Holiday
Decorations
Bubbling Lights
- Moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of
fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.
Fireplace Colors (fire salts) - Moderate toxicity;
symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and
a variety of other
manifestations, including convulsions.
Angel Hair (spun glass) - Low toxicity; can cause
irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal track.
Christmas tree Preservation Solution - Low toxicity,
depending upon formulation and quantity of ingested.
Snow Spray and Snow Flock - Low toxicity, dry particles
are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if
sprayed directly in mouth.
Styrofoam - Low toxicity, can cause choking from
mechanical
obstruction.
Christmas Tree Ornaments - Non- toxic, however intestinal
obstruction and choking are potential problems.
Icicles (tinsel) - Non-toxic, however intestinal
obstruction and choking
are potential problems.
Snow Scenes - Toxicity may some from organisms possibly
in the water, most notable Salmonella.
Real label warnings on all decorations and take the necessary
precautions to protect your pet.
Gifts And Miscellaneous Items
Button Battery (disk battery)
- Caustic, potentially high toxicity
depending upon the position of the battery in
gastrointestinal track.
Aftershave Lotion, Colognes, Perfumes, Alcoholic Beverages
- Ethanol in various concentrations is moderately toxic
depending upon the amount ingested. The high concentrations
of essential oils in true
perfumes are especially toxic.
Plastic Model Cement - Moderate Toxicity.
Epoxy Adhesive - Uncured hardener: moderate to high
toxicity.
Uncured resin: low toxicity, primarily irritation and sensitization.
Adhesives, Super Glue - Low toxicity, most difficulty
occurs when
eyelids become bonded together.
Artists' Supplies: Crayons, Felt Tip Markers, Pencils,
Water-based Paints - Low toxicity; however, may cause
more than a mild mucous membrane and gastrointestinal irritation.
Petroleum-based Paints - Low toxicity; primary concern
is possibly
of aspiration.
Toys - Avoid toys with parts small enough to be pulled
off and swallowed and toys painted with toxic materials,
etc.
Use same precautions with children.
|
