Page 24 - North Haven Magazine Issue 12 Winter 2020

by Dr. Sarah Mendillo
Winter hazards for pets are all around us. As the weather starts to cool down, and we delve deeper into the winter season, our pets
snuggle a little closer, sleep a little more, and look to us for entertainment when the wild and wonderful outdoors may be just a
little too much to bear. Spending an increased amount of time indoors is common in the winter months not only for us but for our
pets. However, for those that choose to brave the outdoors and make winter “THEIR SEASON”, knowing the ins and outs of winter
hazards can mean the difference between skating through winter unscathed or ending up like Flick from A Christmas Story. Our
pets become more of an integral part of our families every day and keeping them safe is important for their well-being and longevity.

as your pet had their annual checkup? While breeds having the thicker coat may
HWinter weather can bring on worsen- be less sensitive, they still do not have the
ing of joint conditions such as arthritis and same developed coat they would if they
can even cause old injuries to flare up. Also, lived in a cold climate year round, or had
skin and respiratory conditions can change repeated exposure to frigid temperatures.
with humidity and heat. Did you know that EVERYONE is at risk!
pets with metabolic disorders such as Cush-
ing’s disease, Diabetes, or cardiac disease Things that are otherwise routine can be-
are also at increased risks during the winter come harmful if careful planning and atten-
months? These patients are unable to reg- tion to detail is missed. Minimize baths and
ulate their body temperature normally and grooming appointments to prevent remov- avoid burns and fire hazards. Ensure your
therefore, knowing your pet’s metabolic ing too many essential oils, creating dry pets have food and water available to them
and health status is vital. It is recommend- and itchy skin. Dry pets thoroughly to pre- on a regular basis. Your pet’s weight may
ed that most very young and elderly pets be vent decreases in body temperature when fluctuate during the winter months due to
seen by their veterinarian seasonally to ad- out of the water and before going outside. activity level or their metabolism needing
dress any new and old issues to ensure their When going for walks be aware of icy to keep up with body temperature regula-
winter comfort and safety. patches for both you and your pet (espe- tion. Therefore, your pet’s nutritional needs
cially those with arthritis or previous joint may change. If you feel your pet is gaining
injury) as this can be cause for injury and inappropriate weight or on the contrary
a long road to recovery for everyone. Use losing weight be sure to contact your vet-
caution as chemical burns can be caused by erinarian for assistance with calorie intake.
road/sidewalk salts. Upon coming inside
please thoroughly wash and dry your pet’s Please be cognizant of those animals that
paws or have your pet wear booties when are forced to be outside! Be sure to clean
walking outside. Petroleum jelly (if not be- up antifreeze spills, and rodent poisons as
ing licked at) along with Dr. Mendillo’s rec- soon as they happen as these are poisonous
ommendation of “Musher’s Secret” can be to pets and other animals and can lead to
a safe alternative to help protect paws from organ dysfunction/failure and even death
the winter elements. Salt can be an irrita- when left untreated. Accidents do happen
tion to the skin and when licked can some- and it’s best to be prepared! Know your
times can cause gastrointestinal upset or local vets phone number (ours is 203-562-
poisoning due to the chemicals associated 9896) and be sure to have the local pet ER’s
Plummeting temperatures put pets at risk with the salts. Upon coming inside please phone number as well as ASPCA Poison
for hypothermia in the car, or even frostbite thoroughly wash and dry your pet’s paws or Control’s number on hand in case of acci-
when outside in sub-zero temperatures. have your pet wear booties when walking dental ingestions or injuries. Ensure your
Pets that are normally outdoor or indoor/ outside. pet is microchipped for increasing their
outdoor pets should be brought inside to a likelihood of a safe return home! Always
heated space to minimize overexposure to travel with blankets and water, and be sure
the cold. If it is too cold outside for you, it is to check under the hood and in wheel wells
too cold outside for your pet! Animals can- for smaller animals seeking shelter in the
not tell us that they are cold, so we need to cold.
be aware that they are at no different risk
for frostbite due to exposed skin or hypo- Last, but not least, make sure to spend time
thermia than a person would be. Our pets to get cozy with your little loves or get out
have become accustomed to their “cushy” and enjoy the season! Wishing you a warm,
lifestyles inside. Please do not mistake their wonderful, SAFE, winter season. Remem-
ancestry with actual environmental ad- ber, we’re here if you need us!
aptations that our pets have made for us.
Short haired pets and shaved pets should Make sure your pets have a lot of comfy Dr. Sarah Mendillo O’Dell, DVM
be provided with cold weather wear such places to relax indoors off of the cold floors Montowese Veterinary Clinic
as sweaters or jackets when going outside. and away from heating units or fireplaces to

24 North Haven Magazine - Winter 2020