Pets need a little extra help from their human companions to stay warm and safe in the winter. The experienced veterinarians at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic in Troy, MO, are committed to promoting the health and safety of pets across Eastern Missouri. Ensure your pet is well cared for this winter by following a few tips from their team. 

5 Winter Pet Safety Tips From Your Local Veterinarian

1. Care for Their Coat

Don’t cut or shave your pet’s hair too close to the skin during winter. Long, thick winter coats are necessary for warmth. If your pet has naturally long hair, trim it just enough to minimize the skin-drying effects of snowballs, icicles, and de-icing chemicals they may come across outdoors. If your pet has short hair, you may want to outfit them with a sweater or jacket. Make sure it covers them from the base of their tail to their neck.

2. Protect Their Paws

Salt and de-icing chemicals can irritate the skin on your pet’s paws. Massage petroleum jelly or another paw protectant into the pads of your pet’s feet before heading out for a walk. Booties are another great option, offering additional coverage. When de-icing your property, use pet-friendly ice melts.

3. Be Cautious With Antifreeze

Antifreeze is lethal for pets if ingested. Check for any spills from your vehicle and clean these up promptly and thoroughly. You may also consider using antifreeze products containing propylene glycol as opposed to ethylene glycol.

4. Don’t Bathe Too Often

During the winter, bathe your pet as little as possible to preserve their skin’s moisture and essential oils. However, you should wash your pet’s paws and stomach after each walk to remove ice, de-icing chemicals, and salt.

5. Keep Them Warm Indoors

As a rule of thumb, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. As explained by the ASPCA, leaving pets outdoors in the cold is dangerous and can even be fatal. The car is not a safe alternative to the outside; cars can lock in the cold, causing pets to freeze to death. Also, ensure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor and away from drafty windows or doors. If they aren’t allowed on your bed, consider buying them a pet bed of their own.

For more cold weather pet care tips, visit the veterinarians at Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic. These professionals understand pets are a part of the family, and as such, they treat each patient as part of the pack. Give them a call at (636) 528-4534 to schedule an appointment today. To learn more about their services, including pet dental care, microchipping, and livestock care, visit their website. To stay up-to-date on current events and promotions, follow them on Facebook.