Critical Winter Pet Emergencies to Watch Out For This Season
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Winter can be challenging for pets, as cold and wet conditions often lead to various health concerns. From frostbite and hypothermia to injuries caused by ice, winter-related pet emergencies can be serious and require immediate care. We have outlined winter pet emergencies to help pet owners stay ready for these seasonal challenges.
Ice and Snow Hazards
- Winter conditions can pose risks to pets, from slipping on icy surfaces to hidden dangers beneath the snow. A simple fall can result in muscle strains or even broken bones.Â
Additionally, prolonged exposure to the cold may lead to frostbite or hypothermia, especially in pets unprotected from harsh weather.
How to Protect Your Pet
- Ensure your pets are dressed warmly with appropriate winter gear, like coats and booties, to prevent slips and shield them from freezing temperatures. Clear ice and snow from walkways to uncover hidden hazards and avoid areas where sharp objects might be concealed.
Toxic Foods
- The festive holiday season can expose pets to a variety of harmful foods and plants. Chocolates, macadamia nuts, and alcoholic beverages are common treats that can be toxic to pets. Additionally, holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias pose a risk if ingested.
How to Protect Your Pet
- Keep these items out of reach, and monitor your pets around holiday gatherings. If ingestion occurs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
Cold Weather Overexertion
- Cold temperatures can exhaust pets, causing them to struggle to regulate their body heat. This is especially concerning for breeds with short coats or pets with existing health conditions, as overexertion in frigid weather can lead to severe complications.
How to Keep Them Safe
- Limit outdoor playtime during cold snaps, and monitor your pet for signs of fatigue. Provide a warm, sheltered space indoors to help them recover and stay comfortable.
Rodenticides
- Some pets are attracted to the bait’s ingredients and may eat or lick them. The poison used in the bait can cause nerve cell damage or harm your pet’s cardiovascular system. If you use poison to get rid of rodents, use tamper-resistant bait stations only.
Ice-Melting Salt
- Ice salts are used for clearing a frozen or snowy path. Sodium chloride or calcium chloride is the main ingredient in these salts. Ice-melting salts can irritate your pet’s paws and prove fatal when ingested. Socks or boots can help protect your pet from these chemical-based ice-melting products.
Throw the socks in the washer after walks. If your pet is not comfortable wearing socks or boots, make sure you clean their paws after a walk in the snow. If your pet starts vomiting, drooling, or suffers from weakness or diarrhea after a walk, contact your veterinarian right away. Your pet may have ingested some of the salt.Â
Insufficient Winter Shelter
- Without proper shelter, pets are at risk of developing serious conditions like hypothermia or frostbite, and prolonged exposure can even be life-threatening.
How to Keep Your Pet Warm
- Ensure your pet has access to a warm, dry, and insulated area during the winter months. Whether indoors or in a secure outdoor shelter, this space should be free from drafts and equipped with cozy bedding to maintain body heat.
If your pet has inhaled or ingested a harmful substance, please do not hesitate to call us immediately at 434-971-9800. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we are dedicated to providing the most convenient and comprehensive care for your beloved pets. Alongside regular checkups and dental care, we also offer urgent care services to address any immediate health concerns. Our full range of veterinary services ensures that your pet receives the best possible care in any situation. We are conveniently located in Charlottesville, VA, and are here to support the health and well-being of your pets.
