Your Border Collie Arthur and his friends absolutely love the outdoors, the more snow for them to play in the better. While Arthur enjoys cold, brisk weather, he’s probably not ready for our Arctic-like winter temperatures with the subzero wind chills. You want Arthur to enjoy himself outside, but you also want to protect him from hazardous winter weather, so you ask your veterinarian from the Pet Authority Animal Hospital for some expert pet safety tips.
Deep-Freeze Temperatures
While Arthur and his friends have thick coats to keep them warm during a variety of cold weather, they need extra help during our area’s exceptional cold harsh conditions. Paws, ears, and tail tips are most likely body areas that are more prone to developing frost bite. To avoid this problem, buy clothes and insulated booties and possibly a hat for Arthur to wear. Signs of frost bite are blistering or waxy-looking skin or paws. If you see these symptoms, take Arthur to your Waterford area veterinarian immediately.
The Hazards of Antifreeze
Most pets are attracted to the sweet smell of antifreeze. Though you always are careful not to spill any at your house, neighbors may not be so careful. If Arthur or his friends slurps up the nice-tasting liquid, they will become very sick and can even die. Arthur’s feline (cat) friends will suffer the same fate if exposed to antifreeze.
Convulsions caused by acute kidney failure will occur pretty quickly. If you suspect Arthur or his friends have even taken a little sip of Antifreeze, rush them to Pet Authority or the closest emergency hospital IMMEDIATELY.
Road Salt Paw Problems
Since Oakland County, Michigan uses salt to melt ice on our roads and sidewalks, we have to understand salt irritates pets feet. Arthur should wear booties before going outside, but of course his feline (cat) friend would not tolerate those, so it is best they are kept indoors.
Feline Car Hood Dangers
Stray cats or Arthur’s feline friends find warmth and shelter from the cold by crawling under the hood of a warm car. If you start your vehicle, the sleeping curled up warm cat may become seriously injured. Before turning on the ignition key, knock sharply on your vehicle’s hood, that should wake up the feline friend and have time to escape.
The Staff at Pet Authority Animal Hospital will be happy that you have taken Arthur and his friends safety seriously during this harsh winter weather.
From the other side of the exam table.
Dr. Gloria Williams
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