Winter Safety for Your Pet
s winter bears down on us here in New England, we bid a fond farewell to ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies that can pose a health risk to our pets. But with the ice, snow and colder temps, new health challenges can arise for keeping our pups safe and comfortable.
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Did you know that salt and most ice melt products can be extremely irritating and harmful to your dog?
This is the time of year where tons of salt is spread on side-
walks, driveways and roads to melt ice and snow. This salt is cor- rosive enough to harm the paint and metal of our cars as well as having a destructive effect on our fresh water ecosystem. It affects plants, fish and the animals that eat or absorb the toxicity of it. These pieces of salt can get stuck between our dog’s pads
where their natural moisture can heat the salt up to 170 degrees causing great discomfort on a very sensitive area. Then they lick their feet to clear the pain bringing the corrosive chemical to their lips and tongue, perhaps even their eyes if they rub them with their paws. Most ice melt products that are used on our city sidewalks, roads, even walkways in residential and commercial areas consist of calcium chloride or sodium chloride as the main ingredient which can cause diarrhea and/or vomiting when ingested. That’s not the only way they can ingest the chemicals, they also bite the snow when playing and drink from puddles. Even if the ice melt product isn’t visible, it may still be on the surfaces he walks or lays on. If you must use a product to melt ice in your own environment
to prevent the dangers of slipping and falling, look for one that is truly pet safe. I’ve used Safe Paw successfully when the ice at my shop was too thick to manage. They may take a bit longer to melt the ice, but there are a couple of brands that do work well without harming your dog or the environment.
Some comforting tips while hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing with your dog
Water consumption during exercise is important in all seasons and typically is less accessible on trails during freezing tempera- tures. Carry water and encourage drinking in any temperature. If you need a little help enticing Fido to drink you can offer coconut water. Most dogs love the sweet flavor of pure, plain coconut water. It’s loaded with essential electrolytes and a little goes a long way to help keep the body hydrated and balanced. If you’ve never intro- duced coconut water to your pup, I would suggest trying some at home before setting out on a trek to be certain that he or she will be compliant with their new found beverage. Keeping their feet and pads protected from snow by stopping
the “snowball” build up between the toes which can cause pain and injury is the first step to happy feet. I recommend good paw butter, one that is actually tested as pet safe. Butters, waxes and oils that provide a barrier against freezing, snow and salt absorption are best for your dog’s good health as the pads of their feet absorb whatever comes into contact with them. There are some great boots/booties for dogs that actually stay on well and are comfortable for them to wear. Be sure to get the right size for your particular dog. Ruff Wear is a brand that I’ve had for years and find easy to use, stays on well and are still like new after 7 years of use.
Car rides and leisurely walks
Smaller dogs, dogs with short hair and certain breeds are more susceptible to getting cold easily. Keeping the” inner furnace” turned up on brutally cold or windy days is a good idea for all of us. There’s no harm or shame by giving your pup a snuggly coat to put on for the frigid days out, especially if there is rain or snow coming down. We like staying dry and warm, I’m certain that most dogs feel the same. You can even have a custom size made right here in Maine for your hard to fit dog with a fleece inside and waterproof outside. I had one made several years ago from Doggie Safe and Dry, handmade and not expensive but loved by my chilly pup.
14 Essential Living Maine ~ January/February 2015
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