Great pet owners always have their pet’s safety in mind, no matter the time of year. With winter around the corner, we’re going to see a whole new list of dangers for your pets, and at the top of the list is the freezing weather. Our pets rely on us to keep them safe and healthy all year-round, which is why it’s important to consider these simple tips to protect your pet this winter.
Keep Your Pets Inside
One of the most vital tips to keeping your pet safe this winter is to always keep them inside. By no means should cats be left out in the snow without the ability to access your home or some form of heated shelter, and although dogs do love winter walks, they must be kept indoors the majority of the winter. Some dogs, like huskies, truly enjoy the snow, but it’s important to call them in for a respite from the elements as their paws and noses are quite susceptible to frostbite. Frostbite, hypothermia, and other winter ailments can be deadly to your pets, so remember the rule: if you’re cold, they’re cold, so bring them inside.
Keep Common Winter Poisons Out Of Reach
With winter comes a slew of potentially harmful cleaning and maintenance chemicals for our homes and cars. Antifreeze and road salt are two potentially deadly chemicals that are introduced only in winter. Keep any antifreeze, along with all other household chemicals out of your pet’s reach and preferably carefully locked somewhere safe. Out of all of our pet winter safety tips, you may not have considered this one, but it’s vital to keeping your pet safe and healthy. Another great way to protect your pets is to avoid using harmful chemicals in the first place. While antifreeze is necessary during the winter, consider purchasing dog-safe ice melters and salt alternatives available at most hardware stores.
Dress For The Weather
Sweaters, jackets, and booties aren’t just available to make your dog look cute and silly, for some dogs, winter clothing is necessary for health and safety. Not all dogs need to be completely bundled, but most dogs can benefit from a winter coat or sweater; especially small dogs, short-haired dogs, and elderly dogs. Dress your dog for the weather, keep walks short and purposeful, and always wipe the salt from their feet once you’re home to avoid salt poisoning.
Make Sure Your Pet Is Covered
This winter, feel comfortable knowing that your pet is safe and taken care of should anything go wrong when you partner with Petline and The Bay. With pet insurance through Hudson’s Bay Financial Services, we can ensure that any health expenses that may come from your pet this winter will be covered, allowing you to focus on caring for your furry friend as opposed to worrying about finances.
Be prepared for winter dangers this winter by
Partnering with Petline Pet Insurance!
Protect your pets with pet insurance from Hudson’s Bay and Petline – Canada’s largest pet insurance company. Pet owners can be reimbursed for up to 80% of veterinary costs, including X-rays, hospitalization, surgery, dental care, and prescriptions. Plus, owners can earn up to 4,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points with their enrollment.