Old Man Winter is on his way, along with his really cold temperatures, and in many parts of the country, snow and ice.
As a devoted pet parent, you want to be sure your fur babies are well protected during this chilly season, whether they are doing their business in the snow-covered backyard or they are snuggling with you under a blanket on the couch.
With this in mind, the following winter safety tips for pets will keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy through this cold time of year.
Keep Ornamental Plants Away From Fido and Fluffy
There are a number of beautiful ornamental plants that many of us commonly use to decorate our homes around the holiday season; these include mistletoe, holly and Christmas trees. As The Spruce Pets notes, many of these common holiday plants are poisonous to pets, with the toxic reaction ranging from mild to severe. For instance, the sap of the lovely poinsettia plant is mildly irritating and can cause nausea or vomiting in curious pets who chew on the plant. Mistletoe and holly are moderately to severely toxic to pets, and lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Evergreen Christmas trees are mildly toxic, and tree needles can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, nausea or even a puncture. To help your beloved pets to stay safe, keep these plants out of your home whenever possible. In the case of the popular Christmas tree, if your pets just can’t leave it alone, opt for an artificial variety.
Let Them Keep Their Coats
For longer-haired dogs who need a grooming in the winter, the ASPCA suggests getting his fur trimmed to help reduce the amount of snow, ice, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can cling to his hair. However, resist the urge to have your dog shaved down to the skin — she will need her natural fur coat to help keep her warm. For short-haired dogs, consider getting a coat or sweater that he can wear when you go for walks or extended “business trips” outside. When your pets come back inside, towel dry their coats and remove any clinging ice or snow from between the foot pads, and consider coating their paw pads with petroleum jelly to help protect them from salt and chemicals.
Consider a Security Camera System
If you have a doggie door and your pup can get outside on her own, winter can be a stressful time of year for pet owners. From worrying that a holiday package delivery person accidentally leaves your gate wide open to being concerned that your beloved pet will somehow get hurt in the snow and be unable to get back inside, you might find that concentrating at work or school is difficult.
One way you can set your mind at ease is to invest in a security camera system that allows you to monitor the footage from afar. For instance, Lorex offers a nice selection of exterior home security cameras that come with their innovative Lorex Home mobile app. This user-friendly app will allow you to remotely access your cameras — whether you are shopping at the mall, at work or attending a school performance for one of your kids. You can view live HD video, playback recorded motion events and much more. You can also turn on notifications and get immediate alerts on your smartphone when motion is detected on your property; this way, you’ll know when the delivery guy has been there and/or when your pup goes out to frolic in the snow.
Have a Happy and Warm Winter
Winter can be a scenic and cozy time of year filled with lots of festivities and decorations. By being aware of the common cold weather dangers to your pets and taking steps to prevent them, you and your fur babies will enjoy a lovely holiday season and long winter together — safe, sound and warm.
Image Source: BigStock.com (licensed)
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