Winter Dangers and How to Protect Your Pets

During the winter months, your pet may be faced with more dangers than they’re used to, even in our mild climate here in Texas. At the Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas, we want to keep our clients as informed as possible about your pet’s needs to help you keep them safe. Some of the top winter dangers your pet may encounter include:

Rodenticides

When the weather begins to get cool, rodents such as rats and mice may begin looking for shelter from the elements. These creatures are commonly considered pests and many homeowners want to get rid of them immediately. While this is an understandable reaction, some methods of dealing with pests can be dangerous for your pets! We recommend using traps to kill these pests and avoid rodenticides or poisons. Rat poison is extremely strong and can harm or even kill a pet that gets a hold of it. If you have pets in your home, we strongly suggest that you do not use poison in your household at all.

Antifreeze

As the temperatures begin to drop, you may choose to use antifreeze, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers that antifreeze can pose to your pet! Antifreeze is toxic to dogs and cats and unfortunately it can also be appealing to them with its sweet taste and smell. Many companies have heard the veterinary industry’s concerns and have introduced non-toxic antifreeze products. If you must use this substance, we recommend that you choose a type that is labeled as pet-safe.

Frostbite

While our temperatures don’t often drop to extremely low levels, it is still possible for our best friends to develop frostbite here in north Texas. We recommend that you always keep your pet safely inside your home and only let them out for short periods of time. If they spend lots of time outside, be sure to offer them a safe shelter where they can stay warm and protected at all times.

If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s safety this winter, please contact us to learn more. That’s what we’re here for!