Can Rain Be A Pet Safety Risk?

Now that the Vancouver weather has turned for the worse and we’re having more rain, your daily routine has likely changed. You’re probably not going out as much in this wet weather. However, have you ever wondered how your pet is effected by the change?

While your pet may love being outdoors, it doesn’t mean he or she will be safe, even more so now that we are getting colder weather and more thundershowers. There are many dangers that your dog will experience in rainy conditions, especially if you leave him or her unintended. Here are some things to think about as we head into Fall.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It’s important to protect your dog from the elements, such as wind, rain, and, in rare cases, we have snow. The length of time you can leave your dog outside is often weather dependent. In extreme cold, your dog should be able to seek refuge in your home to balance out the outside temperature. There is nothing wrong with letting an active dog play in the snow so long as he is able to come in and warm up. Without access to normal temperatures, dogs, but more likely cats, can even freeze to death.

You might want to invest in a kennel or a doghouse to give him or her shelter from weather conditions. Buy one that is insulated and waterproofed. The kennel or doghouse doesn’t need to be too large, just big enough for your dog to lie down in and move around comfortably. Keep it stocked with warm blankets which can easily be removed as the temperature rises. Warming lamps can also be a great investment. Similar to an incubator for baby chicks, these warming lamps can help keep your dog’s outdoor kennel or doghouse warm.

Short-haired dogs or smaller dogs will most likely need an extra layer of protection. Invest in a sweater or jacket for your pet to wear on their walks. You can buy them at your local pet store.

Keep your dog away from any de-icer or rock salt in the winter months. These can be very irritating to your dog’s paws and mucous membranes. Most concerning is that they are poisonous, and your dog could die if they ingest too much de-icer.

Backyard Etiquette

If your dog wants to spend a lot of time outside, invest in a fence that will keep him or her safely confined and unable to escape. Fences also help protect your dog from wild animals which can be helpful, especially if you live in North Shore. Fences or other barriers can also be beneficial to keep your dog out of places like your gardens or backyard ponds.

Make sure your dog doesn’t have access to areas in your garage where there may be toxic chemicals for your car, antifreeze, gasoline, or sharp tools that could seriously injure or kill your dog.

Doggie doors can be useful if your dog is trained to go outside to do his business and come back in immediately. Do not be reliant on him to decide how long he stays outside, and make sure to close off the doggie door at night.

Conclusion

The most important piece of advice is always to keep an eye on your pet. If he or she is feeling discomfort, they will let you know, usually with some whimpering and whining. Usually, pets get in trouble when they are neglected, get lost or their owners get distracted. If your pet looks like he or she has hyperthermia or any other issues, don’t hesitate to bring them in immediately. We offer exceptional service so contact us today!   Our phone number is 604 734 2500 or you can contact us here.