Happy New Year!
With the holidays behind us, it’s time to get outside and partake in the winter season with our pets. Here are some winter health and safety tips to help you avoid any mishaps and enjoy the season!
Continue below to see what Astro specials are in store for you this month!
Use pet safe ice melters. Use products that are magnesium based for a safer alternative. Most commercial salts contain Calcium, Potassium and Sodium chlorides which are toxic to pets and humans. We carry Safe Paw pet safe ice melt at our stores.
WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN?
Combine 1/2 gallon of very hot water, 1 Teaspoon Dawn original dish soap (MUST use Dawn) and 1 Tablespoon rubbing alcohol. Mix together, pour into a watering can with a rosette nozzle and spread over the icy area.
If there is a stubborn spot, pour a small amount of coarse kosher or table salt on the spot after applying the mixture and it melts fast. Another benefit from this mixture is that it seems to last a while and will keep the area ice free days later.
Think about fire safety. Wagging tails can knock over lit candles. Crackling fireplaces and hot embers can be very interesting to our furry friends, especially curious cats! Be sure fireplaces are screened and all candles and open flames are out of reach.
Offer various indoor play opportunities when the weather prohibits outdoor activities. Keeping them from getting bored in the winter can be challenging. When no one is available to play with your pet, consider lick mats or interactive toys like WOOF’s line of long-lasting toy & treat combos and Tall Tails bully stick holders, Ask one of our sales associates for info!
Never let pets drink from pools of melted snow near roads, as many will contain high concentrations of rock salt in addition to the pollution from vehicles.
Avoid antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to humans and animals. Sometimes it contains propylene glycol, which is also a food additive in processed foods like salad dressings, and it is also used in processed pet food (kibble). It has been deemed "safe" by the FDA. Both have a sweet taste. Our pets cannot tell the difference between the two. If you suspect your pet ingested antifreeze seek veterinarian care immediately.
Check under your hood. Even if you do not have cats, outside cats will often find warm vehicles and sleep in the wheel wells or engine compartments. They can be severely injured if your vehicle is started when they are in there. Bang on your hood or honk your horn before starting your vehicle.
When traveling with your pet, keep an emergency kit in the trunk. Kits should include a few days' worth of food, water and medications, a first aid kit and a blanket. Be sure to have an emergency kit in the trunk at all times for your family, too. Our stores carry preassembled emergency kits that are compact enough to fit in your vehicle’s glove box!
Protect their paws. Did you know their paw pads absorb chemicals faster than any other part of a pet's body? Use a paw sealant such as Musher's Secret or Skout’s Honor. Sealants will prevent ice balls from forming between their pads while also protecting paws from exposure to salts and antifreeze. When pets walk on rock salt, it can burn, and they will try licking it off their paws to stop the burning. Once it is ingested it can cause many serious health issues. Minimize exposure to salt by walking in the grass instead of salt treated areas. Always rinse or wipe their paws with a damp cloth when returning from your walk. Remove your shoes or boots at the door, or wipe them off before walking through your house. This will limit the chemicals brought into your home from your shoes.
Pets are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia too. The signs of frostbite are red, swollen areas or skin that is white or very pale. To treat, immerse affected area in WARM water for 15-20 minutes. Hypothermia may occur in severe cases of exposure to cold. Symptoms include shivering, low body temperature, stumbling, drowsiness, exhaustion. To treat hypothermia, the pet's body temperature must be raised. Surround their body in hot water bottles and/or warm moist towels, or immerse body in room temperature water, while slowly adding warm water. Try to get your pet to drink warm liquids, such as warm bone broth. Call a veterinarian immediately for either.
Know your dog's limits. Short coated, thin, elderly or young dogs get cold faster. Limit their outdoor time and consider outfitting them with a sweater or coat.
Add Omega oils to your pet’s diet to help combat dry skin. They need moisture as much as we do! Ultra Oil Skin & Coat is a great Omega supplement, available in our stores!
