Winter walks through snow and over ice can be a fun activity for you and your pup. However, with warmer temperatures setting in, walking on frozen bodies of water becomes a significantly higher risk. Keep your pet out of the animal hospital by practicing these five crucial safety tips around ice.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Ice

1. Use a Leash When Walking

It’s always a good idea to leash your pet when taking a walk; it’s even the law in some areas. When walking near frozen bodies of water, using a leash is crucial. They provide you with the control to prevent your pet from wandering into unsafe areas.

2. Check the Thickness of the Ice

Ice needs to be at least four inches thick to be safe to walk on. To check the thickness of ice, measure it with an ice chisel and rod. Since the density can vary, measure in more than one spot.

3. Look for Cracks in the Ice

Thickness isn’t the only sign of strong, safe ice. Cracks are a crucial indicator that the frozen water is thawing. Also, according to the Wisconsin DNR, clear ice is normally stronger when it’s not covered with snow or hasn’t formed bubbles underneath the surface.

4. Avoid Walking Near Ice at Night

If you’re taking a nightly stroll, keep your pet on a tight leash and avoid frozen bodies of water. Determining the safeness of ice in poorly lit areas is too challenging to allow your pet onto it.

5. Never Follow Your Pet onto Ice

If your dog runs out onto the ice, don’t follow them. Instead, call him or her back to safety. If your pet falls through broken ice, contact 911. Emergency responders will be equipped to handle the situation. After the rescue, take your pet to the animal hospital for a health evaluation.

When you’re looking for an animal hospital that will provide excellent care for your pet, visit Hayward Animal Hospital in Hayward, WI. Their passionate experts have proudly served the area for over 30 years. They offer routine vaccinations, surgeries, pet dental care, and boarding. Visit their website to view their services or call them at (715) 634-8971 to schedule an appointment.