Winter Weather Brings Canine Hazards

It's been a relatively benign winter so far, but the inevitable harsh weather can also bring real hazards to your best friend. Here are some safety guidelines for winter weather romping from The American Kennel Club.

• Don’t leave your pup outside by him or herself for long periods of time during the cold winter days. 
• Accompany him/her in order to warm his/her earflaps between your hands. 
• Check paws to make sure snow and ice do not collect between toes. 
• Snow and ice can cause cuts and cracked pads. A small amount of petroleum jelly can help soothe paw pads. You can even use pet boots to help keep paws warm and dry (but try not to embarrass them with your color or style choice).
• Limit time outside during the cold weather, as dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia when the temperatures drop.
• Watch for spilled antifreeze on driveways. It smells and tastes good to dogs, but it is actually lethal if ingested.
• Small dogs lose heat more rapidly than larger dogs because of their small body surface, therefore they need to wear a warm coat or sweater when going outdoors for prolonged periods in cold weather. Likewise for dogs with little or no body hair, such as whippets and greyhounds.
• Wash and wipe pets' paws as soon as she or he comes in after walking on treated pavement. Licking road salt, etc., off paws can make them sick or can even result in death. 

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