Winter Pet Hazards and how to prepare for them
Winter in the gorge comes with cozy mugs of hot things, sitting by the fire AND snow (mostly ice) and lots of digging our cars out for the humans. For our pets, winter in the gorge can come with other hazards. See our list below and how you can try to prepare for some of these hazards.
Ski or snowboard lacerations to dog paws or legs. This happens when you are on skis or a snowboard with metal edges, gliding through the woods or down a slope, and your dog runs over or next to your skis. Before you know it, the metal edges have lacerated your dog’s leg. These can be minor injuries, or more major injuries. The minor injuries only involve skin, but the major injuries can include a cut tendon or muscle. If you find yourself in this situation, the good news is that snow tends to be pretty clean, and the cold can vasoconstrict, so they don’t bleed as much. The bad news is that these lacerations usually have to be sutured. We recommend wrapping the wound with some vet wrap or coban when you get to the car, then call your veterinarian when you get into service. Often these injuries incur an emergency fee at the vet or require going to an urgent care or ER because by the time you get back into town, it’s late in the day or after hours. Keep in mind that as your dog warms up in the car, the laceration will bleed more than when they were running through the snow.
How to prepare:
Probably the most obvious solution: don’t take your dog skiing with you. Although this winter activity may seem fun for everyone, often we underestimate the training involved to have a dog not get into the path of your skis. Also be aware that the inclusion of your dog may also place the humans in your group at risk as they try to dodge your dog down the slopes. If you decide to bring your dog, be sure to understand your dog’s limitations and work on training as much as possible to avoid this accident.
Carry bandaging material. We would all like to think we have well-stocked first-aid kits but be sure to check at the beginning of each season. Is the vet wrap or coban you have still functional, or do you have non-stick bandaging material to use on a bleeding wound? This recommendation is not only a good idea for your pup but also for the humans on the ski excursion.
Buy paw or leg coverings. These types of “booties” can help protect paws not only during long periods in the snow but also can be a pseudo-protective layer if they happen to hit a ski or snowboard.
Cats experience other hazards. One less known but common hazard for cats is entrapment from falling snow. Outdoor cats can find themselves under snow if it falls off the roof and onto them. We have patients who have lived under a snow tunnel for days before they are found, but depending on how much snow falls, this sort of incident can be deadly.
How to prepare:
Outdoor cats have a mystery life most of the time but one way to try to keep track of them is to develop a habit of feeding the evening meal indoors or in a warm place during the winter. This will help at least give you eyes on your outdoor feline once a day and during heavy snowfall have a warm place for them to find refuge.
If your cat is missing, don’t overlook the areas where snow has fallen from the roof or other buildings.
Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol) is a lethal toxin for both dogs and cats. It has a sweet taste, so pets may drink it. This toxin will cause deadly renal failure within 48 hours, even if a small amount is ingested. An antidote exists but must be administered immediately after the pet ingests the antifreeze, and then they must be hospitalized for several days on fluids. If even 24 hours pass, the damage has already been done.
How to prepare:
Store all antifreeze sealed and away from all pets.
Use a black light lamp. Antifreeze contains a fluorescent dye that glows under black light, so you can look for dye on the paws, muzzle, or even in the urine.
If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinary emergency clinic and ask if they treat antifreeze ingestion. The clinic must carry the appropriate antidote, fomepizole, as this must be given within 8-12 hours of ingestion.
Hopefully these tips will help you prepare for winter with your pets. We love to see pets enjoy the change in season. Send us your winter pet pictures to info@arrowleafveterinary.com or if you have any questions call 541-436-4116.