Keeping Your Pet Safe In The Snow

The weather outside is certainly frightful. And it's important to remember that, even though your pets are furry, they shouldn't be outside in this weather any more than people.

Many people don't realize the damage that the winter can do for pets, especially dogs, which walk around outside more.

The ASPCA has some tips that pet owners should keep in mind for their furry friends in the winter months.

First off, and the most important, is that if it's too cold outside for people, it's too cold for pets. If you have an outside animal, bring them in when the temperature drops very low, or when then weather is inhospitable. Pets kept outside can freeze and get lost and become disoriented. Dogs rely on their sense of smell to find their way around, but snow can cover up familiar scents, confusing them.

The ASPCA recommends that, after walking your dog in the winter, you should wash and dry their feet and stomach to get off any ice, salt and chemicals. Salt that's used to clear sidewalks can dry out a dog's paws. Check the pads of their feet for cuts and cracks after walks, and look for redness between the toes.

To help protect your dog's feet, you can rub some petroleum jelly on their paws before walks. Additionally, you can buy pet booties to keep their feet even safer.

The ASPCA also says owners should wash their pets as little as possible during cold months. Bathing too often can remove oils that help prevent dry and flaky skin. If you have to wash your pet, make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo.

Finally, make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep at night. They don't have to sleep on the bed with you, but make sure they have a pet bed, or a pillow and a blanket. If you get cold at night, they probably do, too.

Photo: Kathleen Baumler