As snow approaches, we want to make sure our four-legged friends are safe from the elements.

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• Keep your pups cosy with a warm jacket.

 

• Snow and rain can cause surfaces to become slippery for both you and your dog, so be particularly careful!

 

• Snow obscures frozen ponds. That poses a drowning danger if your dog runs across and falls in. If you take your dog for walks near a frozen pond take care about letting them off their lead and keep them close to you. 

 

• Ice-melts (salt) and grit. While ice salt is only mildly poisonous to dogs, it can cause irritation to the skin, paws, and gastrointestinal tract when directly ingested. So if you have a dog that goes on lots of walks on wet winter sidewalks, it is always best to rinse and wipe off their feet, including in between the toes and around the central pad. In terms of ingestion, dogs should be prevented from eating ice melt when out on walks, and all chemicals should be kept locked up and out of reach of pets when not in use.

 

• Arthritis. Elderly dogs should also be taken on shorter walks as arthritis can be more susceptible to the cold. Signs of arthritis can get worse in colder temperatures, so if your dog suffers from this condition they may be stiffer. If you are worried about these signs and if your dog is experiencing any pain, contact your vet.