Holiday & Winter Pet Tips

Winter Pet Health Precautions

Note: We are proud to introduce Cody Menasco, DVM.  Dr. Menasco is a guest author for bichonworld.com.  Look for more articles from her in the future...Sandy Schneider

Winter time can be a fun season for you and your pet.  But with the snow and cold weather comes dangers as well.  Here are some helpful tips and things to keep in mind as the holiday season and cold weather approach.
 
Winter is one of my favorite times of the year!  We enjoy many things like the snow, decorations, good food and lots of friends and family.  We can’t forget our special family members during this time!  If they are outside at all during the cold temperatures make sure you are taking care to consider their coat and warmth.  The dogs that may need a cute little jacket to help them stay warm include short hair dogs, older dogs, younger dogs and any dog with a medical condition that may make it hard for them to maintain body heat.  Now with that said, some dogs LOVE to be out in the cold weather (Huskies, German Shepherds, Malamutes ect).  If you do let your pet out during the cold days, make sure that they still have plenty of access to fresh water, a place to get out of the weather and stay warm if it should start to snow, rain or get windy! 

Winter is also a good time to get out and play in the snow or go for a hike.  Keep a close eye on your dog’s pads and hair as snow can ball up and cause severe mats under their feet.  Ice and snow can also cause cuts to their pads so dog booties may be needed.  See www.ruffwear.com for some good all weather booties. 

Antifreeze -
CAUTION!!!!  Just a few licks of antifreeze can KILL a small dog/cat! Antifreeze is very sweet and dogs love it!  If you even suspect that your animal has gotten into antifreeze call your veterinarian as soon as possible!  This can cause severe renal failure, seizures, vomiting or diarrhea.  Early signs may even include acting "drunk".  When changing or adding antifreeze to your car, make sure you are VERY careful and keep everything clean!  There are even products that you can use that have safer ingredients so check the product that you use!  If any spills occur, mop them up instantly and use an absorbent material to soak up any extra (cat litter, sand, wood shavings). 

Holiday Decorations -
Make sure your tree is secured well to prevent any "tipping" or falling over from a tree climbing cat or "wild" tails.  Avoid using any special additives to the tree water in case your happy puppy wants a little taste!  Keep breakable or special ornaments up high on the tree and avoid any tinsel, string, or ribbon on the tree. Be careful with presents as they can cause serious internal injuries to your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

Treats/Foods-
Keep all treats, candies and CHOLOCATE away from all pets.  Any change in diet can cause vomiting, diarrhea or severe gastrointestinal pain.  Some foods are very high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis as well.  Other known toxins (chocolate or raisins) can cause even more severe signs that will need veterinarian attention.  If your pet has gotten into anything they should have not, please call your veterinarian. 

Holiday Stress -
Don’t forget that the holidays can be a stress time for you and your pets.  They are able to sense your stress as well and the more we worry about family coming, shopping, getting things ready, they will feel that stress as well.  Try to keep their routine the same every day (feeding time and play time).  Keep ID tags on pets at all times in case they slip out the door as company is coming over.  And watch all pets around new people (strangers) as they may not understand what the "holidays" are all about!

Plants-
A few common plants seen during the holidays can be upsetting to your dog/cats system if eaten.  Sharp pine needles can puncture your pet if ingested so keep any eye out for any chewing on the tree or wreaths.  Poinsettia plants can cause a severe upset stomach so keep up away from your pets.  Mistletoe, Holly and Lillies are poisonous so should be kept out of reach or not in the home around pets.

But the most important thing about the Holidays/Winter is to have fun and make sure to include your pet in that fun!

Here are a couple of handy phone numbers to have around...just in case:

National Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) $50 Fee
Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) $35 Fee

Cody Menasco, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian in Bend, OR. at Deschutes Veterinary Clinic.  Her contact information is: Office: 541-382-2481 and email: cmdvm@hotmail.com