February 21st

By Mutt Mulligan

TurfMutt reminder: winter weather pet safety

Cold temps, freezing rain and snow are blanketing parts of the country, yet again. TurfMutt is here with some friendly reminders about how to keep your pets safe during winter weather.

TurfMutt’s Winter Weather Safety Tips for Pets

• Manage outdoor activities. The safest, most comfortable place for your pets is inside where you are. When temperatures dip below freezing or during severe weather, it’s imperative you keep pets indoors with you and make trips outside shorter.
• Offer a warm place for your pet to rest inside. A pet bed works perfectly, just make sure it stays clean and dry.
• Don’t cut your dog’s fur in the wintertime. Your pet’s winter coat is a natural barrier from the harsh, cold elements.
• Consider a canine coat. Dogs with lots of fur probably don’t need an extra layer to go on walks in the winter. But smaller dogs and those with shorter coats may be more comfortable in a dog sweater or jacket.
• Check for frostbite. After bathroom breaks and walks, check your pet’s ears, paws and tail for any sign of frostbite or ice and snow build up in the paw pads.
• Wipe down after walks. Keep a dry, clean towel handy to wipe down your pet’s legs, belly and paws after each outdoor excursion. Ice-melt chemicals can irritate their skin and cause serious illness if ingested.
• Be careful with chemicals. Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet to pets, but it’s toxic to them. Quickly clean up any spills, and consider using a brand made from non-toxic propylene glycol instead.
• Keep your pet hydrated. Ensure your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. Winter air is dry!
• Clear a path. Use a snowthrower to make quick work of snow removal and create a path to your pet’s bathroom area. Always keep kids and pets away from the equipment.
• Don’t leave your pet in a cold car. It’s just as dangerous to leave a pet in a cold car during winter months as it is to leave them in a hot car in the summertime.

To learn more about the benefits of “outsider life” for pets and people during all seasons, go to SaveLivingLandscapes.com and TurfMutt.com.