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Dogs enjoy playing outside all year round, and winter is no exception. Your furry friend would love nothing more than to spend their day frolicking through the snow, but you might wonder how safe it is to let them do so. In general, it’s perfectly safe for dogs to play in the snow in moderation, but it’s important to follow certain steps when letting them play outside. The following pet health guide will help you keep your dog comfortable in the cold.

5 Pet Safety Tips for Playing in Snow

1. Provide Supervision

Never let your dog out in cold weather unsupervised. If you’re taking your pooch for a walk, take a shorter route and watch for common winter hazards, such as substances commonly used to melt snow. Rock salt can upset your pet’s stomach, while antifreeze is toxic and poses a serious threat to pet health. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze.

2. Gear Up

pet healthIn some cases, your pet’s coat might be enough to shield them from the chill. However, frigid conditions combined with cold, wet snow may require some extra protection. If they will tolerate clothing, consider getting a sweater or snowsuit and booties. Make sure these items are the proper fit for your dog.

3. Protect Their Paws

The pads of a dog’s paws are sensitive to the elements. Always wipe your dog’s paws off before returning indoors to warm them up and remove any antifreeze or salt residue they might try to lick off later. Cold, dry weather can lead to cracked pads, so soothe your pup’s paws by applying a pet-friendly balm.

4. Discourage Them From Eating Snow

While licking up a few flakes out of the air certainly doesn’t warrant a trip to the emergency vet, dogs shouldn’t eat snow. Like rainwater, snow can be dirty and unsafe to ingest, no matter how clean it looks. Bring fresh water and a travel dish when you go on walks to keep your dog hydrated and discourage snow eating.

5. Watch for Frostbite & Hypothermia

Extreme temperatures can lead to dangerous exposure-related conditions like frostbite and hypothermia. To protect your pet, learn how to spot signs of each. Symptoms of frostbite include pale blueish skin, inflammation, cold or brittle patches, and ice forming around the affected area. Dogs suffering from hypothermia often shiver, appear stiff and lethargic, have trouble breathing, and seem groggy. Go inside and get in touch with an emergency veterinary hospital if you notice signs of either condition.

 

 

Whether you need a dependable emergency vet or advice on winter safety, the knowledgeable veterinarians at Clark Animal Care Center will be happy to help. Located in Penfield, NY, this full-service animal hospital provides personalized pet care in a clean and comfortable facility with state-of-the-art equipment. For a comprehensive list of the pet health center’s services, visit their website. Call (585) 377-1160 to schedule an appointment today.

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