How To Keep Your Pet Safe This Winter
Michigan winters can be beautiful, with sparkling snow and winter activities like sledding and skiing. But the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can also be harsh, especially for our furry friends. As pet parents, it’s up to us to keep pets safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the season. The team at PetSmart Veterinary Services – Troy would like to share our top cold weather safety tips for winter.
3 Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets
#1. Limit Outdoor Exposure
One of the most crucial pet winter safety tips is to limit your pet’s exposure to the cold. Pets can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes spent in below-freezing temperatures. Below freezing is anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which we see a lot of in our Michigan winters!
Pets can also be susceptible to hypothermia, especially if they spend much longer than half an hour outside in freezing temps. Or even less time if it’s windy and cold with a frigid windchill.
Yes, pets need to get outside and play in the winter. A short walk around the neighborhood or fetch session in the yard should be fine! But if it’s miserable out there for you with just a sweater on, it’s miserable out there for them with just their fur coats, so look out for signs of cold. If your pet is shivering, lifting her paws, or showing signs of discomfort, bring her inside immediately.
If you notice any signs of hypothermia, like lethargy, rapid breathing, or sluggishness, seek veterinary care right away.
#2. Watch Out for Antifreeze
In colder months, car owners in Michigan pour antifreeze into their vehicles. Many of us have this fluid in our garage. But antifreeze is incredibly toxic to pets. Even worse, it has a sweet taste that attracts animals, yet even the smallest amount can cause severe kidney damage or even death.
Always clean up any spills immediately and store antifreeze in sealed containers out of your pet’s reach. Better yet, keep the stuff locked up in your garage. And if you think your pet has ingested antifreeze, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
#3. Provide Warm Shelter
If your pet spends any time outside on his own, make sure he has a warm, insulated shelter to curl up in. The shelter should be dry, lined with clean straw or a thick bed, and shielded from wind and snow.
It’s also crucial to make sure your pet always has access to fresh, unfrozen water. No, your pet can’t get all the hydration she needs from just eating snow! You can purchase electric water bowls that keep the water from freezing. Or, just rotate through a few different water bowls, bringing out a fresh bowl each time you notice one has frozen.
Boost Pet Health All Season Long
If you need help keeping your pet healthy this winter, the team at PetSmart Veterinary Services – Troy is here for you. Call us today at (947)-225-0071 to set up a wellness appointment. We’ll make sure your pet is weathering winter in the best possible health!