A D.C.-area veterinarian is urging pet owners to protect their pets during cold weather.聽
It’s simple to tell whether it’s too cold to walk a dog.
If a human hand becomes cold upon making contact with a sidewalk, it鈥檚 likely an animal鈥檚 paws would be cold too, Dr. Katy Nelson tells 草莓传媒.
Dogs could potentially get ice balls, rock salt or road salt stuck between their paws, making it uncomfortable for them and potentially unhealthy.
She recommends using paw balm after a walk or putting booties on the pet for protection.
It鈥檚 best to thoroughly clean the paws upon returning home, she said. Check whether their paw pads are cracked or red between the toes.
When it鈥檚 so cold that a pet doesn鈥檛 want to walk, Nelson said to play inside so the dog can 鈥渨ear off some of that energy.鈥� She also advised owners to bring outdoor pets inside and consider the circumstances before going for a walk.
If conditions are unsafe for humans, the same is true for a dog.
鈥�(Frozen lakes or ponds) can be scary for us, so our pets can absolutely fall through them as well,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淚f at all you can prevent your pet from going out on one of those 鈥� I see situations like that it can definitely end in tragedy.鈥�
While dogs shouldn鈥檛 be walked or left outside for long periods in frigid weather, the amount of time they can spend outside is dependent on breed, Nelson said.聽
Dogs with thicker coats, such as Siberian huskies, can be outside longer than Shih Tzus or Chihuahuas. A pet鈥檚 age and health status also should be considered before deciding how long to walk for, Nelson said.聽
Nelson recommends avoiding haircuts during the winter to ensure dogs are as warm as possible, with a few exceptions.聽
鈥淚f they are matted or if they have some sort of skin condition, and they鈥檙e mostly an indoor pet, then you know, it鈥檚 really going to be up to you, your veterinarian and your groomer on what you do next.鈥�
