Keep your dog healthy this winter.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Consumer News : Keep Your Dog Healthy This WinterPosted by Editor on 2007/1/21 6:00:00

By Lauren Gregg, NC State News Services

Raleigh - Winter is upon us and even one day of cold temperatures can be harmful to your dog if you don’t take the proper precautions. Dr. Steven L. Marks, a Clinical Associate Professor at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, outlines some preventative measures that dog owners should take to ensure their pet stays healthy and happy during the winter months.

Cold temperatures

Do you ever wonder how cold is too cold to leave your dog outside? “Most dogs develop a thicker undercoat for winter months and can tolerate cold temperatures for short periods of time,” Marks says. “However, the exact temperature is difficult to say because it depends on conditions. A clear and dry 40-degree day is very different from a wet and windy 40-degree day.”

“If your dog is healthy – not very young or very old – he or she should be fine outside as long as there is shelter from the wind and rain,” Marks says.

“Dogs also need access to water at all times. If the temperature is low enough, the water bowl can freeze over, which may lead to dehydration.”

Marks says a good rule of thumb is if it’s cold outside for you then it will be cold outside for your dog.

Grooming

It is also important that you keep your canine clean and well groomed at all times. In cold and wet weather, the pads on dogs’ feet can crack and get irritated so you should examine Fido’s feet after a day outside or after a long walk to make sure the pads look normal. Also check to make sure no ice builds up between the toes and that there is no damage to the nails. If you notice that your dog is licking his or her feet obsessively, he or she may be trying to tell you something is wrong.

Harmful chemicals and indoor heaters

Marks has a warning for all pet owners about toxic chemicals. Antifreeze is a highly toxic chemical that many people use during the wintertime. It is toxic to animals but if they come in contact with the chemical they like to lick it. So store antifreeze appropriately where your pet cannot get to it. “Sometimes people will change their antifreeze in a store parking lot and it leaks out onto the ground where dogs can find it and ingest it. So always be sure to dispose of this chemical properly.”

Marks also points out that pet owners should be careful when using an electric heater indoors. Pets can lean against it and get burned or chew the wiring and get electrocuted. In addition, if you have a kerosene heater be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“In general, if you’re concerned about something being dangerous to a child, you should also consider it dangerous for a pet.”

General tips to keep in mind

“Overall, people should not leave dogs unattended for long periods of time,” Marks says. “A dog can get critically ill in a short period of time and many things can happen to a dog outdoors. If you notice any abnormal behavior do not leave your pet outside alone. If you have a young, old or sick dog, never leave him or her outside unattended.”

Marks says if you encounter any problems do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the NC State Vet School. The school’s facilities and resources are available for the public. He also says that there is a lot of great information on the Web concerning pet health. He advises that Web surfers certify that the information is from a veterinarian whose name and credentials are clearly listed.

“Always be cognizant of your pet’s environment. If there is any question in your mind that something might be wrong with your pet, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian,” Marks says. “A little prevention can go a long way.”

[rmci]

Great tips, thank you for sharing.