Keep your animals happy and healthy when the temperature drops

Winter pet safety tips:

Winter can be a dangerous season for pets – freezing temperatures, ice-melting chemicals and indoor drafts are potentially hazardous to an animal’s health. Looking for ways to keep your pet healthy and happy during the coldest months of the year?

Here are some tips.

"The most dangerous parts of winter are being outside too long on extra cold days and walking through excessive salt on the ground,” Krysty Vallejos, founder of NYC-based pet care services company Urban Pawz told us on Friday. “On extra cold days, the best thing to do is pay attention to your pet to ensure she isn't showing signs of discomfort, like shivering, lethargy, or pulling to go back home.”
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also advises against shaving your cats or dogs during the winter. However, long-haired animals should be trimmed to minimize clinging ice balls and salt crystals. Consider covering short-haired pets in thick sweaters or turtlenecks with high collars. Despite their fur coats, animals are still vulnerable to the dangers of below-freezing temperatures.

Sidewalks or streets can also become hazardous to pets' health during the winter.

“Be mindful of the salted sidewalks on extra icy days, as they can cause wounds on your pup's pads and can even make your pup sick,” Vallejos explained. “You can avoid this by applying Mushers Secret on their paws before stepping outside and/or wiping down their paws once inside so they do not lick off the salt. "Pet owners should also keep their homes properly humidified to keep pets' skin healthy. Additionally, hot bathwater can remove the essential oils from an animal's skin, increasing the chance of dry, itchy patches. Don't bathe dogs or cats too frequently, and use extra-moisturizing shampoos and conditioners every time you clean them.