Pet Winter Safety Tips

Winter brings colder temperatures. While many people think of ways to protect their family members during winter, some people forget about the things they need to do to protect their pets. If you live in the Ferndale, Monticello, or Liberty areas, contact our veterinarians at the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County to schedule a checkup for your furry friend. Let’s look at a few tips to keep your pets safe in winter.

Bring Your Pets Inside

Even the furriest dogs and cats are not meant to sleep outside in freezing temperatures. Even if your pet lives on a covered porch or shed, freezing temperatures mean that your dog or cat needs to come inside. If your pet is reluctant to stay inside, make sure that it has an enclosed place to sleep that can help your pet hold in body heat.

Veterinary Care

Make sure you know where you can take your pet for veterinary care in an emergency, even if the roads are blocked. Ideally, the veterinarian will be familiar with your pet.  Even though it is cold out make sure your pets are covered for ticks with the vaccine and either topical or oral preventatives.  Ticks will be out and can transmit disease when the temperature is 34 degrees and above.  

Place Chemicals Such as Anti-freeze Out of Reach

Anti-freeze tastes sweet and is often mistaken for a treat by animals. If you are letting your pets stay in the garage for a while, walk through and make sure that any dangerous chemicals are out of reach. If you use driveway salt it can irritate your pet’s paws so be sure to rinse his/her feet when you come back inside.

Access to Clean Water and Food

If you keep your pet’s food and water in an area that is difficult to reach in the winter, there could be trouble. Snow and ice can make a once easy task much more difficult so be sure your pet’s food and drink are easily accessible and preferably in a comfy warm environment.  If your pet is outdoors you need to give him/her fresh water at least 3 times a day.

Animal Hospital of Sullivan County Keeps Pets Healthy All Year Round

Keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter can be tricky for your furry friends. Our veterinarians at the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County are here to help your pet stay safe all year round. If you live in or around Ferndale, Monticello, or Liberty and would like more winter tips, call our team today at (845) 292-6711 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.