HEALTH
WINTER HEALTH AND WELLNESS is the type that would rather snuggle up with you in a warm blanket, either way, it?s important to protect them
can cause tooth fractures, pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea, and intestinal obstruction. Chocolate, nuts and xylitol,
against the winter elements.
commonly found in holiday candies, are especially toxic to our dogs. If you would like to share holiday treats with
The fur coat our dogs have does not necessarily make them more tolerable to the cold. A dog?s cold tolerance is based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, size, age and health status. Shortening the time
-------------------------------------BY: KAREN J. METZLER D.V.M. ? Vet Talk -------------------------------------Winter days are often filled with cold weather, overcast skies, holiday celebrations and travel. Keeping your dog safe during this season can be a difficult task. Taking some simple precautions, however, can help to ensure that your dog stays safe, healthy and happy this winter. First, plan ahead to ensure you know where the closest animal emergency hospital is in relation to you before there is an emergency. Speak with your regular veterinarian as to their recommended emergency vet and map out how to get there in advance. Keep your veterinarian?s and the emergency vet?s contact information in a easy to find location or saved in the contacts in your phone under your pet?s name so that they are handy if you are in a stressful pet emergency situation. Whether your dog loves the winter or 44 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM
your dog spends outdoors in very cold temperatures can protect them against weather related health risks and injuries. A good rule of thumb is, if it is too cold outside for you, then it is too cold for your pet. Provide warmth, shelter, calorie-rich food and fresh water for dogs that are housed outdoors and unable to come inside. With your pet spending more time indoors during the winter, make sure your home has been thoroughly pet-proofed. Space heaters, fireplaces and candles can burn your pet or be a fire hazard. Make sure your furnaces are working efficiently and fire and carbon monoxide detectors are in place to keep everyone safe. Holiday decorations including ornaments, tinsel, electric lights, Christmas trees, holiday plants, batteries and potpourris can be tempting hazards for pets. Pets should be closely supervised around these seasonal heat sources, plants and decorations. Holiday foods and drinks for people should not be fed to your pets. Avoid feeding pets bones and scraps as they
you pet, buy or make treats specifically formulated for them. Holiday parties with visitors arriving and departing, strange smells and loud noises can be difficult and unsettling for our pets. Even the best-natured pet can be scared by a strange guest or noise and feel compelled to defend themselves. Consider boarding your pets the day of your party. If you prefer to keep your pet at home, talk with your guests in advance about your preferences in regards to pets and children. Designate a ?doorman? to keep doors closed behind arriving guest. Having your pet microchipped and wearing proper identification with your current contact information can make it easier to recover and reunite with your pet, should it escape. Also, put guests' purses and bags away and keep pets out of guest rooms. Request your guests not feed your pet unless asking you first. To help your pet relax, consider giving your pet a quiet, safe place to retreat to like a crate or bedroom away from all the festivities. A party is not a time to socialize your pet. Ask your veterinarian for advice about homeopathic therapy, pheromones or medications to help your pet cope with the stress of company.
