Tips for Keeping Your Beloved Pet Healthy:

Just like us, our pets need to be extra careful and cautious with their health during cold and harsh winters. In winters, our pets are prone to developing health problems, which if not treated in time, can pose additional risks and serious health concerns. Veterinarians practicing in Mississauga reveal that pet owners give more importance to protecting pets from warmer temperatures, than colder ones. With some preventive measures and a lot of love and attention, pet owners can make sure that they protect their beloved pets before the onset of winter problems.

Shelter

Some pets like cats do not like to be confined to homes even in harsh winters. For them, it may be a good idea to build a warm shelter that protects them from dryness and chilly drafts so that they can rest in a protected and safe place even when outdoors. Make sure to line the floor of the shelter with a thick carpet or a warm surface. The shelter must be covered and located in preferably a closed space such as a garage. Regularly change the bedding and make sure it is dry, or else it will cause additional health concerns for your pet. You can also invest in heating products that are specifically designed for animals for added safety.

Nutrition

Help your pet to stay healthy by administering fresh food and cleaning their food bowl frequently. Make sure to warm the bowl and food before giving it to your pet. As winters decrease your pet’s physical activity, try to maintain a healthy weight by feeding them appropriate quantities at the right time. Specific holiday foods such as chocolate, plants, holly berries, leaves, and tinsel are likely to poison pets. If you notice symptoms such as vomiting or convulsions, rush to your nearest animal hospital immediately.

Antifreeze

If you are a pet owner, you already know how pets find antifreeze liquids irresistible due to their sweet smell and taste. But antifreeze products often contain numerous toxins that can be quite fatal to pets. When returning from outside, make sure that you wash your pet’s paws thoroughly before letting them lick. On the same lines, make sure your pets don’t lick your shoes especially when they may have salt residues.

Hypothermia

If you observe your pet shivering, breathing with effort or being listless, it may be suffering from hypothermia, a common occurrence in harsh winters. No matter how furry your pet may be, they can still get hypothermia. Never leave your pet outside in winters for an extended period of time. You can also use a jacket to cover your pets and protect them. If you are not sure how you can protect your pet properly, speak to your vet today.

Frostbite

Check your pet regularly for grey or blue patches. They may be suffering from frostbite. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from frostbite, apply a warm cloth to affected areas and call your vet. In cold winters, remember to exercise safety and precaution for your pets too, just like you would for yourself.

If you need more information on how to protect your pet in winters or are looking for a friendly and well-experienced vet for your pet contact Truscott Animal Hospital today.

All credit goes to Truscott Animal Hospital – Emergency Vet in Mississauga

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