Fall/winter News

Fall/Winter Newletter

Now that the weather is getting colder, it’s time to get your pet ready to embrace the snow! If your pet has shorter fur it’s important to have them wear an insulated coat or sweater to provide warmth, especially when the wind chill in Buffalo can be below freezing.

When you give your dog a bath in the winter, make sure they are completely dry before letting them outside. Keep your pet’s fur mat free with regular brushing and/ or grooming. Mats do not allow the pet’s coat to keep them warm.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS FALL AND WINTER!

Cats can get frostbite, and they may seek warmth by crawling into car engines. This can be dangerous or even fatal to them! Knock or bang on the hood to give them an opportunity to escape before starting your car.

Road salt and ice can hurt your dog’s paw pads. Always wipe off your dog’s feet when they come inside, making sure to get in between their toes, and check for chapping. For further protection consider getting them booties, or treating them with a paw protectant or petroleum jelly to help their feet stay comfortable. Do your best to keep pets away from ice melting chemicals. These common products can irritate your dog’s skin and mouth. Signs of ingestion include excessive drooling, vomiting, and depression.

Antifreeze, which has a sweet taste to your pets, is deadly to them. Always store it out of reach with the lid on tightly, and make sure all spills are cleaned immediately and thoroughly. Contact us or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested any antifreeze!

With cold and flu season it’s important to keep in mind that all medication, even basic ones such as aspirin, can be dangerous to pets. Do Not medicate your animal yourself unless we have seen your pet for the illness, and we have recommended or prescribed the medication. Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of animal’s reach.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call us immediately!

Winter Pet Care Tips: Feed Well. Give your pet plenty of food and water, because keeping warm outdoors takes energy. Check paws. Wipe with a damp towel to remove salt, and check for ice accumulation and damage. Provide adequate shelter. If your pet must be outside much of the day, they need a dry, draft free shelter. Discourage hitchikers. Bang on the hood and honk on the horn to ward off cats or wildlife attracted to a warm engine. Prevent poisoning. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is deadly, but has a sweet taste. Wipe up spills to protect animals and children.