Winter Tips for Healthy Pets
BY JESSICA BRAATZ
Winter holidays are rapidly approaching and, for many, this season wouldn’t be complete without their pet. With the changing temperatures, new house guests, and fun adventures also arrive a new set of challenges. Fortunately, Dr. Treyton Diggs, The Westminster Kennel Club’s incredible Resident Veterinarian, has your back with helpful tips to keep your furry friend safe and healthy during this holiday season.
Keep in Mind...
Ensure You Have Enough Supplies on Hand
Dr. Diggs tells his clients to prepare in advance during colder months. “If you are in a very cold area, you will want to have at least a week’s worth of your pet’s medication on hand,” he recommends. Winter storms can be unpredictable and dangerous with the potential for heavy snow, power outages, and even flooding. The last thing you want is to wait until the last minute to purchase more of your pet’s essentials, whether your dog is on a regular medication such as treatment for diabetes or hypothyroid, or you rely on dog food delivery. This will help keep you and your pets safe and stress-free!.
Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Grooming
While trimming unruly hair can lessen your time spent vacuuming, Dr. Diggs always cautions his clients to be mindful of your pet’s grooming — “especially if you are in a cold area.” The natural, thick coat of long-haired or double-coated breeds regulates temperature and protects against extreme weather. If you shave or trim this coat before winter, your pet’s coat may not grow back in time, resulting in a loss of some of these natural winter protections. If your pet’s coat has not quite grown in from their summer trim, or if you have a naturally short-haired dog, you may want to get them a sweater or a jacket to wear during walks to protect them from harsh temperatures.
Consider the Conditions
While we love to exercise our dogs, “iIn freezing conditions, the shorter the walk, the better,”.says Dr. Diggs. ” As winter approaches, it is important to be mindful of how long your dog is outside and assess the conditions before exposing them to low temperatures. Shorter walks are safer in colder temperatures; just ensure your pet has enough time to relieve themselves before returning inside.
Watch the Water
“Make sure your dogs are drinking adequately, as in cold weather, animals are less likely to drink,” Dr Diggs notes. As the temperatures get cooler, keep an extra close eye on your pets to ensure they are consuming an adequate amount of water and do not become dehydrated. Additional tip: Mark a line on the outside of your pet’s dish and observe if the water level decreases if you are concerned about dehydration.
Keep an Eye on Salt Consumption
If you live in areas where the roads or sidewalks are salted, Dr. Diggs warns us to “be very cautious about your dogs getting into salt.” When walking outside, be extra mindful that your dogs do not ingest salt, as consumption can lead to salt poisoning, dehydration, and upset stomachs. Salt can also be harsh on your pet’s feet, though a pair of boots can help mitigate this and protect their pads from any damage.
Beware of Ethylene Glycol or Antifreeze Toxicity
One of the most harmful toxins to dogs is also a household essential for many during winter: antifreeze. “Antifreeze or ethylene glycol is highly dangerous for dogs to consume,” he says. Many northerners switch to a more potent antifreeze during the coldest months. Dogs like the taste of antifreeze, and it can be very sweet as not all states require manufacturers to include bittering agents. This often-enticing liquid is very poisonous to both humans and pets and can cause kidney disease and even lead to fatalities. So have a plan in mind to ensure your pet doesn’t have access to anti-freeze, coolants, or any other chemicals containing ethylene glycol.
Food Safety
When cooking over the holidays, it’s easy to slip our pets some extra treats, but Dr. Diggs cautions us to avoid “fatty foods like fried turkey, foods containing raisins or grapes, and certain types of nuts including macadamia and black walnuts.” At Dr. Diggs’s clinic, he sees an increase in dogs presenting with pancreatitis every holiday season as more foods are cooked with lots of grease and fat. Other foods that must be avoided are garlic, onions, and foods containing caffeine. Another dangerous food is xylitol, a common “low-calorie” sweetener. Xylitol is often found in low-calorie desserts, gum, toothpaste, and even some types of peanut butter. Always check the label before feeding new foods to your pets to ensure xylitol and other harmful ingredients are not present.
If the holidays aren’t the same without a few extra treats for your pet, there are some safe food options for animals to consume. Vegetables such as green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are all delicious and healthy options for your dog to enjoy. Always make sure these items are unseasoned and that you feed them in moderation. Be especially cautious when giving canned pumpkin, making sure to select 100% pure puree and avoid sugary pumpkin pie mix!
Keep Your Dog Entertained
If you’re looking for new ways to entertain your pets on those extra cold days, this is the perfect time to try new indoor enrichment activities with your pets. Play with your dog using a variety of toys, keeping them stimulated and entertained when cooped up. Experiment with puzzles and games such as puzzle feeders and lick mats. These challenge your dog while stimulating and entertaining them at the same time; just ensure to keep the treats to a minimum. Learning some new tricks can also be a fun way to pass the time. If your pet excels, you can even submit a video of their skills online to test for the AKC Trick Dog Novice title!
Some parting advice...
The holiday season can be overwhelming to humans and pets alike. Keeping to a similar routine will help your pet feel less stressed. It may benefit your pet to have an open crate available, in case they would like to slip away from visitors or any busy gatherings. If you are traveling with your pet this holiday season, many states have rabies vaccination requirements, with some requiring additional vaccines and health certificates, so make sure to check state requirements. In addition, be mindful of potentially dangerous decorations such as mistletoe, tinsel, and candles. Finally, know the phone number of your preferred emergency vet before the emergency happens!
We at The Westminster Kennel Club are grateful to our Resident Veterinarian and 2024 Veterinarian of the Year Dr. Treyton Diggs for his helpful tips! Remember, if you have any concerns, it is always best to talk to your local veterinarian to ensure a happy and healthy holiday season.
