Dangers the Elements and Chemicals Pose to our Pets - Blog Post I Wrote for PetsitUSA

Hello, Patch Pet Lovers! 

Below is a link to one of the blog posts I've written for PetsitUSA… a Professional Pet Sitting Organization providing resources for pet sitters and parents. 

http://www.petsitusa.com/blog/?p=5876

Dangers the Elements and Chemicals Pose to our Pets

by LORI on JANUARY 5, 2014

in PET HEALTH, PET SITTING, PETS, THE PET CARE BIZ

Many dogs love to play in the snow… some prefer not, but they still must go outside.  And whether you have a fenced-in yard or your dog goes for walks, there are some dangers you should be aware of and precautions a pet parent should take.
Below I list the most common threats:

Rock Salt and Ice Melts - I highly recommend those precious paws be protected!!! 

See my blog post about dogs and cats — yes, kitties, too, wearing booties   : )

http://www.petsitusa.com/blog/?p=5850

The chemicals can burn and irritate paws and skin, cause stomach and intestinal upset, if ingested, and burns to the tongue and mouth on contact, from licking their feet and body.

Avoid walking in salted areas, and wash your pet’s feet thoroughly when home.  Check in between each toe!!! I do this for my furry friends after every walk regardless if it’s snowing. : )   There are products such as gels and ointments to apply which are intended to protect the paws; however, most times they actually trap the small particles, become quite challenging to clean, and may cause more harm than help.

Antifreeze - Ethylene glycol, a very sweet-tasting and extremely toxic chemical, is the main ingredient in most antifreeze products.  If ingested, very rapidly, damage to the nervous system and kidneys may occur, if immediate medical intervention is not obtained.

Some companies have changed their formula as a result of a 12-year old boy petitioning via Change.Org for a bitter-tasting and smelling ingredient to be added to deter pets and children. 

http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/16/2219015/valley-center-boy-12-works-for.html

Frostbite - See my blog post which included an article about frostbite, written by Dr. Ernie Ward:  

http://cinnaminson.patch.com/groups/ive-got-the-scoop-on-pets/p/frostbite-in-dogs

Grooming and nail trimming is essential during the wintertime, as any excessively long hair will allow for snow to accumulate on your baby’s fur, especially on their tail, belly, and in between their toes!  If their nails are long, it will cause their toes to spread while walking, allowing a greater chance for snow and ice to accumulate.

Snowbanks and drifts - The snow acts as a stepladder right over the fence for your doggie! 

See photo above - Photo Credit:  Dr. Garret Pachtinger

Ice - Obvious risk of slip-and-fall injury to you and your pet.   When possible, walk in well-lit areas and avoid wet spots, which may actually be frozen.

Loss of Scent Trail - Please be sure your beloved pet has current ID tags and a microchip with current contact information and photo on file!!!  Many dogs cannot find their way home after it’s snowed due to the inability to pick up and follow familiar scents!

My previous blog on Microchips:  

http://cinnaminson.patch.com/groups/ive-got-the-scoop-on-pets/p/your-pet-is-microchipped-thinking-yo…

Be safe and have fun out there… and remember:   AVOID YELLOW SNOW!   : )

Helping to keep beloved furry babies healthy and safe… and pet parents informed!

Lori