Snow, ice and cold temperatures have hit the area and residents struggle to find ways to keep warm as the mercury falls.
However, it is essential pet owners also ensure their animals are protected from the elements as well.
The recent cold snap was hard on a lot of people but also tough on those pets wanting to get outside and explore the neighbourhood. Keeping one’s four-legged friends happy and healthy through the winter weather months does not have to be an ordeal.
Veterinarian Dr. Marco Bregliano of the Elizabeth Street Pet Hospital in Okotoks disclosed some important reminders when taking your dog out for a walk.
“The biggest thing to watch out for is frostbite and discomfort from the cold,” he said. “The most common place where dogs will feel cold first is on their paws. So in order for them to enjoy the exercise they should have booties on.
“That by itself is fine for most dogs, but for dogs with short hair then likely a sweater or coat would be helpful as well.”
Dogs that have been out walking a fair bit without booties sometimes come into Bregliano’s clinic with redness and inflammation of the paws. In some cases, there is dermatitis of the feet, which can come from ice crystals getting trapped in the paws. The dog licks the area and it causes an infection.
Canines are also at higher risk for slipping and hurting themselves in icy conditions. Bregliano advised people to watch carefully where their dogs are walking and to steer them clear of real slippery spots. He also wants dog owners to be aware of where their animal is going to touch down if jumps out of a vehicle.
“You don’t want them landing on some place where they can slip and injure themselves,” he stated.
There are going to be those days when the thermometer dips so low or the snow is blowing so hard when a walk doesn’t seem wise. That doesn’t mean your dog has to go without his or her exercise. One of the best things to keep one’s pooch active is give them a toy to chase around the house.
One type in particular can keep them going for a while.
“They’re called busy balls,” Bregliano said. “You put treats inside the ball and it rolls around the house. As the ball rolls treats fall out and it can be entertaining for the dog.”
For the felines, the vet highlighted a common health problem that can crop up over the winter.
“Cats tend to not drink as much water in the wintertime,” Bregliano explained. “That can lead to urinary issues. It’s important to make sure they are drinking water and if they are not you may have to supplement with wet canned food to make sure they’re getting that moisture.”
During the lead-up to Christmas many dog and cat owners choose to buy their beloved pet a present. Bregliano advised people to be careful to pick simple items, which won’t break down in pieces a pet could swallow.
He recommended rubber Kong and rope toys for dogs. For cats, he suggested things like feathers you can tickle them with, cat nip, scratching posts, toy mice and those perennial favourites, little toy balls that jingle.
