The winter season can be beautiful with lots of potential for fun activities (especially for our fur babies who love the snow!). However, it is easy to forget that the cold weather has the potential to be dangerous. Pet owners may need to exercise additional caution when outside with their dogs in the wintertime, keeping in mind how harsh our winters can be in Nova Scotia.
The Dangers of Ice
Frozen bodies of water can be very dangerous as the thickness of the ice is unpredictable at times and could break under the weight of you or your pets. Avoiding any frozen bodies of water (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.) on your winter adventures is the safest choice, as well as keeping your dog on-leash if you suspect or know of potential frozen water nearby.
Increase Visibility
Reflective lights can also be a beneficial safety tool for both yourself and your pets when outside in the dark or in inclement weather, such as in the rain or snow. Reflective or light-up collars, harnesses, and leashes help increase visibility to fellow pet owners, vehicles, and can even act as an extra precaution in case your pet was ever separated from you in the dark. These may come battery-operated or rechargeable for long-term use.
Potential Paw Injuries
Dry and cracked paws are very common during the season due to the extreme cold temperatures. As our winter progresses and the temperature gets colder, the ground may begin to freeze over, and slippery ice patches can form (especially on sidewalks, trails, parks). The ice can act as a very sharp surface and there is a potential of your dog cutting their paws on the ice. Paw balm is a product that pet owners can purchase and apply directly on their dog’s paws before and after walking outdoors on the snow or ice to minimize the risk of dryness, cracking, and/or salt.
In addition, the increase in ice on the ground usually means an increase in the use of salt or other de-icers to maintain icy surfaces. Salt can be very painful for your dog to walk on and can irritate their paws, especially if they are already dry/cracked from the weather. In severe cases, salt can cause painful chemical burns on the paw pads. Salt or other de-icers can also be toxic to pets if ingested.
A good practice in the winter is making it a habit to wipe down your dog’s paws after returning from outdoors in the winter season, as this can assist with removing any snow, ice, or salt residue. For dogs with longer fur, trimming the fur around the toes can be extremely helpful for reducing the amount of snow/ice that can get tangled in between the toes, as well as any chaffing or chapped paws. If your dog will cooperate with wearing dog boots or ‘booties’, this is the easiest and most effective way to protect your dog’s paws in the winter by minimizing contact with snow and ice and to ensure that you both can continue enjoying your walks throughout the season!
Another solution to combat the salt is ‘Paw Thaw’. This is a fast-acting ice melting product that is much safer for paws when used as directed and is environmentally formulated! Most veterinary clinics carry this product or can order it in for clients who request it, and it can be a lifesaver in the winter.
Extreme Cold Weather
In Nova Scotia, it is not uncommon for our temperatures to reach extreme negative temperatures. Remember, our pets are also very sensitive to the cold! If it is too cold for you outside, it is likely too cold for your pet. Use your judgement when going for walks in extreme cold temperatures, whether this means shortening the length of the walk or putting a jacket or coat on your pet for additional warmth and to reduce the chance of frostbite or dry flaky skin.
By remembering these safety tips each year, you and your pet will be prepared to have a fun-filled (and safe) winter season!