Dog's Help

The winter season is a very harsh one in most parts of world, and especially in those which are closer to the poles. Due to the dangers involved life goes into a protective mode in this season. Hence, you too need to take some precautionary steps in order to protect your pet dog from the troubles that it can face in the season. Following are a few things that you can do:

* To begin with, never allow your pet to go outdoors. Keep it inside all the time. This will minimize the chances of your pet getting a frostbite.

* Even if the breed of your pet dog can withstand cold temperatures, never leave it outside for long periods of time.

* If you keep your pet dog outside your house then it is absolutely mandatory that you provide a sturdy and warm shelter for it. Take care that not just the walls of the shelter but also the flooring is insulated. Throw in some dry straw or wood shavings to provide a little comfort.

* Ice balls can be a nasty enemy of your pet. To avoid their formation, you can trim the long hair on the bottom of your pets' feet.

* Don’t take your dog out if it’s snowing or has snowed recently. Road salt and other de-icing chemicals on the road can inflict damage to its paws as well as enter the body of your pet dog, causing further complications. Hence, keep its contact with such chemicals to the minimum. However, if you can’t avoid it then always clean the paws of your pet once you are inside.

* Antifreeze is one particular chemical that can be a sweet poison. Hence, check that it’s never lying around on the floor for your pet to discover. Clean away any spill which you notice. Further, you can try out propylene glycol based antifreeze. It is a much safer option.

* Keep you pet away from open water, especially if you are unable to monitor all its movements. If they fall in, they won’t be able to come out unassisted. Hence, keep an eye on them or better still, keep them indoors.

* While the warmth of a wood fire or an electric heater may be very inviting, make sure that your pet doesn’t get too close to the source of heat. Your pet may damage its coat, paws or any other part of its body without the pet knowing it.

* Check that the water in their bowl has not frozen. Maintain a steady availability of fresh water for your pet’s needs. This would help avoid dehydration that can occur even in winters.

To conclude, it is best that you keep your pet under surveillance all the time. Check what causes it discomfort and then swiftly take a remedial action. If you can’t be there all the time then at least provide a cozy little corner where your pet can wait for you to come back to it.