We love sharing pictures and videos of dogs enjoying themselves outside during these winter months, but some dogs don’t feel so passionate about snowy weather. In the video above, Floyd the bulldog certainly makes his opinion on the matter clear. It probably wouldn’t surprise Floyd to know that most dogs don’t feel how harmful snow can be on their paws until it’s too late, and frost bite has set in.
It is important to keep dogs safe during these cold months. The ASPCA has a helpful top 10 list of ways to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy in cold weather.
Aside from simply making sure pooches are kept suitably warm, remember that road salt can be very dangerous for dogs. While it’s obvious ice melt containing chemicals is harmful when ingested, even just plain old salt can pose a threat.
For those who venture onto the roads with Fido, veterinarian Brad Kissell of Lakemont Veterinary Clinic Inc. said people should be aware that even basic rock salt can raise a dog’s or cat’s blood salt level and lead to sodium toxicosis, which could be fatal.
According to Kissell, a lethal amount of salt would be 4 grams for every kilogram of body weight, or, roughly 1.28 ounces for a 20-pound dog.
Also, it seems we receive many reminders of the importance of not leaving Fido in a hot car during summer months, but it’s worth reminding folks the same goes for colder conditions. According to the ASPCA, “a car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.”
That’s not to say it’s not absolutely wonderful to have fun with your dogs out in the elements during the winter months. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re both safe and healthy. Do any of you have winter safety tips for the rest of us to keep in mind for our dogs? Let us know!
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