We’ve touched on general winter wellness for pets in Part 1 of our three-party Winter Pet Safety Series. In Part 2, we’ll discuss winter wellness for walking your pets. After all, maintaining a happy and healthy pet is critical, even when it’s cold outside.
Winter Wellness for Walking Your Pets
Sometimes, taking your pets outside during the winter is unavoidable. Thankfully, we’re here to provide you with a few tips to help ensure the safety of your pets this winter.
Know Your Pet’s Cold Tolerance
In Part 1, we briefly discussed understanding your pet’s cold tolerance. Each pet will be able to tolerate different levels of freezing, which may mean that the winter means it’s time to shorten your dog's walks. Be vigilant and protect yourself and your pup from weather-associated health risks in frigid weather.
Dress Your Pet Up
Throw a coat or sweater on your dog (whether you’re inside the house or going for a walk). Make sure to have a few different options for varying levels of cold weather and waterproofing for walks. A wet coat on your dog outside can make them colder, so ensure it is always dry before putting it on.
Check Your Pet’s Paws
Bleeding or cracked paw pads are common in dogs during the colder winter months. Ensure you’re frequently checking your dog's paws for any signs of injury during the winter. If your dog suddenly begins limping during a walk, check for ice accumulation or damage to the paw pads.
Avoid Ice
Much as you would without your dog, avoid ice over large bodies of water to avoid any mishaps. Be mindful of where your dog is stepping to prevent breaking through iced-over ponds or lakes.
Wipe Your Pet Down
During the winter months, humans use various chemicals on the ground to defrost walkways, vehicles, etc. Anytime you bring your pet back indoors after being outside in the winter, make sure to wipe down their feet, belly, and legs to be on the safe side.
Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture Wants to Help Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter
Here at Aloha Veterinary Acupuncture, we love the snowy season just as much as the next dog lover. That’s why we’re committed to helping you keep your pets safe through the coldest weather of the year. Stay tuned for Part 3 and more tips to keep your pets safe this winter.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring the world of veterinary acupuncture but worried about potentially exposing your pet to hypothermic conditions, we’re here for you, too! After all, we come to you!
Take a look at the benefits of veterinary acupuncture, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions you might have. You can also schedule a video consultation with Dr. Kho, who can discuss your pet and address any questions or concerns you may have about veterinary acupuncture.