Keep your pets safe from these common winter health risks!
Frostbite: Protect your pet from frostbite by taking shorter and more frequent walks when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. If you see your pet shivering or lifting their paws, bring them inside immediately.
Arthritis: Cold temperatures, combined with reduced exercise can lead to winter weight gain, swollen and stiff joints and decreased quality of life. Try to make sure your pet is getting plenty of indoor play time during cold weather, manage their food intake and weight, and try joint supplements after consulting with your veterinary.
Cracked Paw Pads: Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog's toes. To prevent cracked paw pads, you can try dog boots, paw balm or Vaseline.
Winter Blues: 1 in 3 pet parents notice changes in their pets' behavior during winter. Help make the cold weather a bit brighter for your pet by spending time outside, ensuring they're getting enough natural light. Also make sure to maximize indoor play time.
