by Lauren Hughes, GCA Board Member
From the January 2017 issue of 'Round the Glen.
We care about all of our residents, including our four-legged ones, so here are some tips that could keep our furry friends safe this winter.
- Just like humans, animals are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Limit how much time your pet is outside in winter. Pet coats and sweaters can also help to keep your pet comfortable dependent on its breed, fur type and age. Even indoors, pets can benefit from having warm places to sleep. Humidifiers help both your and your pet’s skin in dry heat.
- Always clean your pet’s paws. Not only do you want to protect your furniture and floors from melted ice, you want to protect your pet from ingesting poisons from salted sidewalks and antifreeze when they lick their paws. Watch for cracks on their paws and redness between their toes. Consider using booties and trimming the fur around paws to reduce exposure. Using petroleum jelly or other paw protectant before a walk can add protection against contaminants. Even if just coming in from the back- yard, wipe your pet’s feet. Warm + dry = healthy pet.
- Pets do escape once in a while. It can be difficult for them to find their way home when snow has changed their surroundings and masked familiar scents, so it is imperative that they have some sort of ID whether in the form of tags or microchips.
- Natural disasters can occur at any time. Make sure that you include your pets in your emergency plan. Remember that your car is never a safe place for your pet anytime of the year.
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