Life & Style

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Take special care to keep dogs safe, warm

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 12/11/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

The associated press Small dogs need a coat for winter. (CP)

As temperatures begin to drop and winter rapidly approaches, dog owners need to take special care to keep their four-legged friends safe and warm. From what to watch out for during walks to caring for their paws, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips to help keep your dog healthy and happy this winter:

-- Watch out for deicers such as rock salt when taking your dog for a walk. They can not only irritate your dog's paws, but can be toxic if your dog licks it. Make sure to rinse and dry the dog's paws when you get home.

-- Keep the hair between your dog's toes trimmed. This will help ice balls from forming there. The snow and ice can cause cuts and cracked pads. You can also rub a small amount of petroleum jelly on your dog's paw pads before you go for a walk to help repel the snow.

-- Do not leave your dog along in the car on cold days. The same way your car heats up in the summer, it gets extremely cold in the winter.

-- Take care to avoid spilled antifreeze in driveways. It smells and tastes good to dogs, but it is actually lethal to them. You can also use pet-friendly antifreeze in your car. It contains a much less toxic chemical and is doesn't taste as good to animals.

-- Consider putting a sweater on your dog when you go outside if you have a hairless or smooth-coated breed.

-- American Kennel Club

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 11, 2012 D5

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