Protecting our pets this winter
By Kim Maynard, DVM

This time of year brings us not only family, fun, and festivities, but a whole new set of
concerns for our four-legged companions. So here are some suggestions to help keep
your pet out of harm’s way.
When temperatures drop below freezing, please bring your cats and dogs indoors. If this
is not an option, make sure they have an enclosed shelter that is free of drafts and be sure
to provide plenty of bedding to keep them warm. Use common sense regarding frozen
lakes and ponds because animals can fall through the ice and drown.
Be especially attentive when it comes to your car. Cats like to sleep under car hoods to
stay warm. Fan belt injuries are common at this time of year and such injuries can be
severely debilitating or even deadly. Honk your horn or bang on the hood before starting
your vehicle. Even if you know where your cat is, your neighbor’s cat may be hiding
under the hood.
Antifreeze has a sweet taste and animals are attracted to it. However, it contains ethylene
glycol, which is highly toxic to the kidneys. So always clean up any spills and dispose of
it properly. If you suspect your pet drank antifreeze, you should call your veterinarian
right away.
During the holidays, candies and chocolates are plentiful, but while they may be a nice
treat for us, they are not a good idea for our pets. Chocolate can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, a rapid heart rate, seizures, and even death. The severity of the reaction is
dependent on the type of chocolate (milk vs. dark vs. bakers) and also on the size of your
pet. The best advice is to keep all candies and chocolates away from them.
Rock salt, which is used to melt ice and snow, is known to irritate paw pads. It’s a good
idea to wipe your pet’s paws each time Kitty or Fido comes inside. Even if you are using
a pet-friendly variety, it is still good to clean it off their paws. Baby wipes work well for
this.
While we can enjoy the holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants during this season, these
are all poisonous if eaten by animals. It is best to place them well away from your pet’s
reach.
And those trappings of Christmas, ribbons, ornaments, and tinsel can be exciting new
toys for our pets, but if swallowed, they can block or even cut their intestines, requiring
emergency surgery.
With some careful planning and forethought, we can all enjoy a happy and healthy
holiday season with our pets. But don’t forget the most important tip of all: put a catnip
mouse or a candy cane rawhide under the tree. Sheer contentment will follow.