The Snow Day Survival Guide for Pets

If you're like us, you're probably excited for the many snowfall instances of the winter season. 

There's something so magical about a fresh blanket of powdery snow transforming your front lawn.

However, as much joy as snow brings us, it can pose some potential dangers and discomforts for our furry friends. 

With a little preparation and caution though, you can ensure your pets have a safe and fun snow day too! 

Here are some tips for keeping Fido and Fluffy happy and healthy when Old Man Winter pays a visit. 

Limit Time Outside

While most dogs absolutely love playing in the snow, extended periods in the cold and wet can pose health risks. 

Hypothermia is a real concern, so avoid leaving your pets outside unattended for long stretches. 

Check on them regularly to make sure they aren't showing signs of being too cold like shivering. 

A general guideline is to limit outside time to 15-20 minutes, then bring them in to warm up by the fire. 

Puppies, senior or small dogs will need even briefer stints in the snow. Cats should also be kept indoors when it's snowing or below freezing.

Wipe Paw Pads 

All that snow tromping means wet, icy paws.

Take a moment to wipe down your pet's feet with a warm, damp cloth to remove melting snow and salts. 

This prevents ingestion of de-icing chemicals if they lick their paws. 

Keeping paw pads dry also protects against frostbite of unprotected skin between their toes. 

Blow or brush away any trapped snow or ice clumps as well.

Watch For Icicles 

The dangling icicles that adorn houses after snowstorms are beautiful, but they also pose a hazard for curious pets.

Icicles falling can injure animals, so keep them far away from any overhangs or areas your pets frequent when walking.

Best to take them down and secure your pet away when you’re doing so.

If you can’t just yet, supervise time outside accordingly. 

Protect Paws With Booties

For dogs that will be outside for longer periods doing activities like hiking or playing, consider protective paw wear like Musher's secret paw wax or dog booties. 

This creates a barrier between their pads and snow, ice, and salt to prevent drying or injury. 

Look for styles that stay put without restricting movement too much – plus, who doesn’t love seeing our pets in cute booties?

Remove Road Salt And Chemicals

De-icing products used on walkways, steps, and roads pose a poisoning risk if ingested in large amounts by pets. 

Their anti-freeze ingredients can be lethal.

Wipe paws thoroughly after walks and rinse the bottom of feet if they've been walking where chemicals have been applied. 

Consider using pet-safe de-icers or plain sand/kitty litter as alternatives for your own use at home.

Provide Constant Fresh Water

Just like for us humans, hydration is important when exerting energy outside in the cold. 

Make sure your pets always have access to unfrozen water, both inside and out. 

Filling a plastic bowl with warm water or using a heated doggy drink station works great. 

Apart from hypothermia, dehydration is a risk in winter so keep water bowls filled with warm water.

Stay Safe On Frozen Ponds & Lakes

Many dogs love retreating to frozen waterways to play fetch but walk carefully. 

Ice thickness can vary dramatically and thin sections put their paws at risk of falling in. 

Avoid areas with recent thaws or moving water beneath. 

As an extra precaution, keep dogs on leash near ponds and lakes when snow covers them.

Watch For Accidental Ingestion

With so much snow and cold temps, dogs may be more likely to eat snow as they play. 

While harmless in small amounts, eating a lot can cause an upset stomach so you must be on watch when Stitch plays outside.

Also, watch for any antifreeze spills or other potentially toxic substances near your home as snow covers everything. Alert pets to the danger.

Protect Against Frostbite Of Ears & Feet

Take extra care to keep exposed areas like ears, tails, and feet protected from prolonged exposure. 

Consider placing booties on small dogs or muting their ears for longer excursions. 

Canine lip balm or paw moisturizers help too in very cold, dry climates.

Staying hydrated from the inside with food and water also protects delicate tissues. 

Conclusion: Staying Safe All Winter-Round

With some preparation and vigilant eyes and ears, you and your furry family can enjoy safe snow day fun this winter.

Staying on top of your pet's healthcare needs year-round is important too. Walling Veterinary Technology offers a full suite of integrated technology solutions for clinics to seamlessly manage appointments, records, medications, and more. 

Our software helps vets provide the best possible care while running efficient, profitable practices. 

Contact us today to learn more about how Walling Veterinary Technology Inc. can help your clinic operate at peak performance. 

Your patients, both two-legged and four, will thank you!