With winter in full swing, your dog may be eager to run out and romp around in the snow. While this is certainly fine in moderation, you do want to take a couple of pet health precautions to protect your dog. Here are three helpful tips for keeping your canine companion warm, comfortable, and safe all winter long.

3 Pet Health Tips for Letting Your Dog Play

1. Protect Your Dog’s Paws

Winter can wreak havoc on your dog’s paws. Between cold weather, ice, and rock salt, the paw pads can be highly vulnerable to cracking and/or freezing. Dog boots can help protect the paws and keep them warm and dry.

If your dog is resistant to wearing boots, you may wish to apply a winter-specific balm to the paw pads to protect them. Regular grooming and nail clipping are also essential, as this will help prevent the formation of painful ice balls around the paw pads.

2. Keep Your Dog Warm

While some thick-furred breeds are built for the snow, others may benefit from the help of an additional layer for warmth. Smaller dogs can be especially susceptible to winter’s harsh chill. To keep your dog warm, you may wish to dress them in a well-fitting doggie sweater or vest. After coming inside on a snowy day, dry your dog with a towel and wrap them in a blanket if needed.

3. Avoid Contact with Winter-Related Chemicals

Playing outside in winter can expose your dog to a number of unwanted elements. For this reason, you want to keep your dog from licking the ground and eating snow, as they may ingest rock salt or deadly antifreeze chemicals.

Although it isn’t toxic, rock salt can upset your dog’s stomach and hurt their paws. Antifreeze is toxic, so keep your dog away from sidewalks or driveways that have blue or green spots — typically a sign of deicing agents on the ground.

While it’s essential to protect your dog throughout the winter, pet health should be a priority all year long. If you’re in need of a trusted veterinary service for your special family member, look no further than Hilton Veterinary Hospital in Hilton, NY. For over 25 years, this state-of-the-art veterinary hospital has provided the best pet care that modern medicine can offer. Whether your furry family member is in need of a pet wellness exam or regular preventative care, you can trust that they’re in the best hands. To schedule an appointment, give them a call today at (585) 392-2937 or visit them online for more information about their comprehensive services.