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As temperatures fall to potentially dangerous lows, and snow and ice become issues to contend with, here are a few tips to protect your pet's health: 

1.  Holiday weight gain affects our pets too!  Just like us, our pets have different nutritional requirements when cold, harsh weather prevents frequent exercise.  If you decrease the length and frequency of your walks during the winter season, make sure you also decrease the overall food quantity your dog receives to prevent excessive winter weight gain. However, your dog still needs to get adequate exercise.

2.  The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice on sidewalks can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and/or cause salt toxicity. Wipe your pet's feet with a damp towel after walking outside to prevent prolonged contact on delicate paw pads, as well as to prevent ingestion of these potentially toxic chemicals when your dog licks his feet.  Sharp ice can also injure your dog's feet, and balls of snow or ice can get stuck between his toes, causing him pain. We recommend purchasing dog booties to place over your dog's paws for icy weather and for walking on salted sidewalks.

3.  Do not leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops significantly. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, dogs that are very young, or elderly should never be left outside without supervision. No cats should be left unsupervised outside.  If you have a very short-haired dog or cat, a warm jacket is necessary for any outdoor activity on extremely cold days and nights, especially when the temperature drops below freezing. It is also a good idea to reduce the time spent outside with your dog when temperatures are dangerously low.  Watch for frostbite, which usually occurs on your pet's extremities (e.g., ear tips, tails, and foot pads). Tissues affected by frostbite will become red, then pale, then black. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has frostbite.

4. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is a deadly toxin, but it has a sweet taste that may attract your pets. Wipe up spills immediately and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach of children and pets. If you observe your pet licking antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately. The prognosis is usually good if treated within three hours of ingestion. If left untreated, it will cause kidney failure within 12 to 36 hours of ingestion. You may also elect to use an alternate antifreeze-coolant product that is made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets or your family.

5. Holiday treats—such as rich, fatty food scraps; bones from fish, pork, and poultry; alcoholic beverages; and chocolate—can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends or relatives to give your pet special treats during holiday parties. Do not allow pets to play with ribbons or yarn, as these can easily cause an obstruction within your pet's digestive tract and require costly surgery to remove. Cover electrical cords or prevent your pet's access to them in order to prevent dangerous electrical shocks or fires.