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The first few snowfalls of winter are always exciting. Children bundle up, drag the sleds out of storage, and play outside as long as their parents allow. The family pet usually heads out there with them, rolling and snuffling in the snow, chasing the children as they run from flying snowballs. When the children come in with chapped lips and faces, we can readily see it and treat it. What you may not be aware of, unless your pet holds up a paw for you, is that the pads of your pet’s feet take a major beating in the cold weather. We need to be aware of the dangers that snow and cold weather present to our pets’ paws, and make pet paw care a top priority.

Winter is hard on everyone’s skin. Your pet is no different, except that your pet’s skin is completely exposed. Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking of paw pads, especially if your pet is outdoors much of the time. Rock salt and chemical de-icers are very irritating to pads as well. Exposure to salt and de-icers, which are commonly used on sidewalks or paths that your pet may frequently walk on, will cause sore pads, infection, or blistering. Not only are the chemicals harmful to paws, but they can be toxic when ingested, causing diarrhea and vomiting.

To combat the effects of salt and chemicals, wash the paws with warm water after outdoor play time or walks. You can either use a washcloth, or dip the entire paw into a bowl of warm water. This will wash away any residue so that your pet cannot lick the salt off later and become sick. Pay attention to the space between the toes as well, because small grains of salt can become trapped in there, causing irritation. Once clean, apply Vaseline (other paw care products will work, but Vaseline is quite inexpensive and readily available) to the foot pads. This will help to prevent chapping, cracking, and soreness. Make sure to apply the Vaseline again before any outdoor time or walks.

As a rule, brush or remove any snow or ice that builds up on your pet. Trim any long hair from the legs that touches the ground. Also, trim any hair from between the dog’s toes; ice loves to collect on this hair. Trim the hair so that it does not hang below the foot pad. Be sure to keep the nails trimmed, because long nails actually cause the toes to separate, allowing ice and salt to become trapped between them. Ouch!

If your pet really seems to hate the snow and cold, or if you would like an easier way to protect their paws, consider booties. Though it may take a while for your pet to adjust to wearing the booties, they provide a protective barrier at all times. Neoprene boots seem to be the most effective, as they are quite sturdy, and even offer some support for the dog’s legs.

Taking preventive paw care measures in the winter months can save your pet a lot of pain and trouble. Be aware of the dangers that snow removal products and cold weather may present to your pet, and protect him.

from www.professorshouse.com

Here at Aftercare for Pets we love our clients, but we hope you’re not a client too soon. Often vets have a dramatic increase in pet visits right after a big holiday like Christmas. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so that your pet stays healthy and happy during the chaos:

• Treats: Try not to give your pet extra treats at the holidays. Too much of a good thing can irritate the digestive system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or both.  While most  cases of simple gastroenteritis are self-limiting, it can be messy.  Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms.

• Fatty foods: These can trigger inflammation in the pancreas causing abdominal pain, digestive upset, anorexia, and lethargy.  Some cases may require hospitalization and intensive care.

• People foods: It’s always tempting to “share” your food with you pet. If you can help it, try not to do it. Some foods that are especially dangerous for pets include:
  • Grapes/raisins: Just a few can result in kidney failure in some animals.
  • Onions/garlic: These cause gastrointestinal problems or even damage to the red blood cells.  Cats are more susceptible to toxicity.
  • Chocolate: Methylxanthines contained in chocolate can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, heart arrhythmias, and even death.
  • Macadamia nuts: Ingestion can cause depression, vomiting, and tremors.
  • Xylitol: This artificial sweetener causes the release of insulin, resulting in low blood sugar and liver failure.

• String and Ribbons: Tinsel, ribbons and string are tempting toys, especially for cats.  However, these can easily become lodged in the digestive tract and block the normal passage of food or cause damage to the intestines.  So, be careful.

• Bones: Bones can easily splinter and get stuck around the jaw or lodged within the mouth or intestines, requiring surgery.  Small sharp bones may cause perforations on the way out.

• Plants: They’re pretty and brighten a room, but did you know that many holiday plants can cause digestive upset, and some are downright toxic?  Mistletoe and lilies can be deadly.  Poinsettias may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation.

Please take extra care during the holidays to ensure the safety of your pet. Make sure your pet has a collar on at all times and that, if possible, it’s micro-chipped as well. With people coming and going during the holidays, it’s easy to accidentally let your pet out without meaning to. Also, keep your veterinarian’s number close at hand just in case you need it.

From Aftercare for Pets to you, all the best wishes this holiday season!