The Worst Winter Hazards For Your Dogs And Cats

Watch out for wintertime hazards that could compromise your pet's health and keep them safe during the holiday season. The last place you want to spend Christmas is at the emergency vet hospital, so pay heed to some strategies that ensures they stay healthy during this festive time of year.

Cautions for cat-owners:

Warm cars. Always look under the hood to make sure neighborhood cats haven't curled up near auto engines to stay warm.

Tasty turkey. Keep a close eye on your holiday bird as you thaw or prepare it for cooking on the counter; cats will be drawn to the poultry and eating it raw could result in illness, like salmonella or e-coli.

Leftover bones. Make sure to wrap any bones that could be left-over before tossing them in the trash. Cats are great at fishing these out of the garbage, which can pose a serious choking risk.

Care tips for your canine:

Fires and fireplaces. Dogs are susceptible to respiratory distress from the smoke emitted from woodstoves and fireplaces. Also, always use a screen to prevent pets' access to the fire.

Holiday trees. Your holiday tree could be a temptation that is too great for your dog to ignore. Eating the needles and drinking the water can make your pet ill, particularly if the tree contains toxic additives or preservatives.

Gifts and packages. Make sure that the gift packages and holiday baubles are out of reach from your dog. Even if they escape with only one bow, this could present a choking hazard for your pet.

Cold paws. Don't underestimate how cold your dog's paws can get from spending even a short time outside. Protect their paws from frostbite with petroleum jelly or booties when walking dogs outdoors in the winter weather.

Practical advice for any pet this winter include the following suggestions:

1. Just because your pet has fur doesn't mean they are not prone to hypothermia. Keep them inside during cold weather and insulate dog houses and cat shelters for any prolonged outdoor activity.
2. Make sure to clean up the antifreeze and other cold-weather car fluids around your property. This is highly toxic and lethal, resulting in a painful death when consumed.
3. Skip using tinsel on your holiday tree. These delicate strands are often made from thin strands of metal or plastic, which can cut the pet's mouth, and that can block the intestines when ingested.
4. Watch out for overindulging your pet with human treats, as these rich foods can make cats and dogs very ill. Some foods like coffee and chocolate can give pets seizures.

Take care to keep your cat or dog safe this winter, particularly over the holidays. If a pet-related crisis should occur, contact an emergency vet clinic or hospital such as Kenmore Veterinary Hospital immediately and keep the contact information on hand for future reference and convenience.