Winter hazards for dogs can usually be avoided., as long as you know what they are. As the temperature starts to drop and snow begins to fall, it is essential that we are well prepared for the upcoming cold days. And, we must be educated enough on the dangers that it may cause to our health as well as our pets.
If you need to prepare for the freezing temperature for yourself or your human family, please remember that your pup needs to keep warm, too. Whether your dog indoors or outside, there are dangers relative to the cold weather.
Indoor Winter Hazards For Dogs
During winter, it may be more comfortable to stay indoors for both man and his best friend. Although the home may be the safest place to be, our pets might still be at risk. Items we take for granted may very well pose a hazard for both animals and small children.
Most homes have houseplants, some of which can be poisonous for dogs. When ingested, they may cause excessive drooling, vomiting, irritation, gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and death.
Some examples are aloe vera, alocasia, and sago palm. So make sure that these plants are out to reach of your canine friends. Check out this article for more information on this topic. https://happymutt.org/which-potted-plant-kills-dogs/
Always keep an eye on your dog when using space heaters, burning candles, or fireplaces. Anything that flickers or is warm can tickle the curiosity in our furry friends. Open flames and hot electric materials will not just cause burns on them but may also start a house fire.
Furnaces, gas water heaters and kerosene space heaters should also get checked for possible leaks. The risk of Carbon monoxide poisoning in both humans and dogs rise during winter. The heroic story of a dog warning his family of such a leak is worth reading. https://happymutt.org/dog-saves-family-from-potential-explosion/
For added protection, consider installing smoke detectors that can detect an increase in carbon monoxide in the air. They are not expensive and can easily be found in local stores or online.
Outdoor Winter Hazards For Dogs
Playing in the snow can be a lot of fun. Let’s not forget that even our fur-covered friends can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia. Dogs housed outdoors will need extra protection from the wind, rain, and cold.
Make sure that they have plenty of unfrozen drinking water and that their dog house is well insulated to keep them warm and dry. You should be prepared to bring them inside the house whenever the weather becomes unsafe for them.
Even an Alaskan Malamute can have difficulty maintaining his body temperature when exposed to extreme cold at an extended period. Do not assume that any breed of dog is safe to be left out in the bitter cold, especially when wet.
When out for walks, shorten the time that you and your dog are exposed to extreme cold. The longer the walks you take, the more you expose your dog to the risks inherent to cold weather. Does your dog need to wear a coat when outside in the snow? https://happymutt.org/does-your-dog-need-a-coat/
Both toxic chemicals used to melt ice and snow, and antifreeze can stick to their paws. Always wash their feet after spending time outdoors as this ingestion of these chemicals can cause permanent kidney damage and death.
Holiday Season Hazards
As much as we want to share the holiday feast with our four-legged friends, human foods like chocolate, coffee, nuts, and alcohol can all be harmful to their health. If your dog eats these, He can have seizures, diarrhea, and may even die.
This article informs you of several human foods that are life-threatening to dogs. https://happymutt.org/why-you-should-keep-grapes-away-from-your-dog/
Some dog owners look forward to spending the winter season and holidays with their pets, but all owners want their dog to have a long, healthy life. By taking adequate precautions to keep them safe at all times, you may be adding years to your dog’s life and to the enjoyment they bring.
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