If you are like me and have pets, you know that this time of year in Northwest Indiana can be tough for them. We not only need to be prepared to keep our pets out of the elements but to keep dangerous chemicals from ice-melting agents off their paws. If your pets paws come in contact with most ice-melt and licks it off, it can cause health problems. Also, the dry air and snow can cause chapped paws and flaky itchy skin.
I’ve read where massaging petroleum jelly like Vaseline into your pets paw pads can help protect them from salt and chemical agents. You can find booties for them at your local pet store as well. However, if your dog is like mine, they won’t keep them on for long.
A recent article published by the Humane Society mentions these simple tips for caring for your pet during the winter.
· Bundle them up, wipe them down – No matter what the temperature is, Windchill can threaten a pet’s life.
· Remove common poisons – Coolants & Antifreeze agents contain propylene glycol which is deadly if ingested.
· Protect outdoor animals – for outdoor cats you can easily make a quick cat shelter with a plastic tub and old blanket.
Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen or injured. If you have a tip that you would like to share please feel free to send it to me to share.