Vets Offer Steps To Protect Pets During Winter
Jan 2, 2019, 11:44 AM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The chilly weather has humans bundling up, but their four-legged friends need to be taken care of, too.
Veterinarians said there are certain steps that need to be completed in order to properly care for pets during the cold winter months.
The Humane Society of Utah has warned Utahns that they need to bring their animals indoors — or at least provide adequate shelter — as the temperatures have been plummeting.
Pet owners are also urged to be cautious about the salt used on icy sidewalks and driveways. The salt can irritate the pads on the animals’ feet, and if they start licking the salt, it could lead to upset stomachs.
Pets also need exercise during the winter, even as the thermostat drops. There are several indoor options available for cats, but dogs still need to go on walks.
“If you need to bundle up and put your mittens on and your scarf and everything,” said Robyn Barbiers, veterinarian and president of the Anti-Cruelty Society, “you need to protect your pet, too.”
Experts have also urged pet owners to be extremely careful how they store antifreeze. Pets love the sweet taste, but even one lap can be fatal.
Vets said not all pets are created equal. Just like people, they respond to the cold differently, and this can depend on their weight, their age and their coat.
