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Creatures Pet Grooming48821 Yale Road E.
Chilliwack, BC V4Z 0B1 Telephone: 604.795.9932
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Safety Tips for Summer &
Winter
Summer Heat:
This
is probably the biggest concern around warmer weather. Most people do not
understand that dogs cannot sweat to cool themselves and overheat easily.
Vehicles are death traps to pets in the summer, but there are other notes
of concern too.
Make sure that you are alert to hot pavement and
sidewalks that could burn your precious pet's paws. Avoid exercise in the
heat of the day and plan walks or activities for the early morning or
evening instead. You should also consider bringing your pet into a cooler
area during the heat of mid-day as relief from the heat if they are
outdoors.
Make sure the pet has access to cool, fresh water and to
shade. Any housing kennels should also be in the shade so that they remain
cool. Child wading pools and access to cool basements are two other
alternatives to provide for cooling off your pet.
Also be sensitive
to short muzzled dogs and older or overweight pets since they can be more
susceptible to heat related stress problems. Check with your veterinarian
on how to do emergency procedures if you do encounter heat stroke in an
animal.
Winter Cold:
Winter's
cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the
following precautions in mind:
- Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time.
Windchill makes days colder than actual temperature readings.
- Be attentive to your dogs body temperature, and limit their time
outdoors.
- Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away
from drafts.
- Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure
to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
- Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen
lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously
injured.
- Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep
properly insulated.
- Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a
sweater or coat.
- Long-haired dogs should have their paw-hair clipped to ease snow
removal and the cleaning of their feet.
- Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time
outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to
keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are
necessary.
- Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is
important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and
cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent
further cracking.
- Dont leave your dog alone in a car. It gets too cold, and carbon
monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.
Dogs cannot
talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important
to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter
season. Remember the following health concerns:
- Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is
highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can
be lethal.
- Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be
sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
- Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get
dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory
substitute for water.
- Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its
ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
- Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and
portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces
have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
- Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the
winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious
symptoms. Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without
consulting a veterinarian.
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