Do you remember the last time your pet started having problems? I haven't always had an easy time figuring out what was going on with my animal, which is why I started thinking more seriously about taking the right steps to make sure things were going like they should be. I began focusing more seriously on my animal, and before I knew it, I was able to determine when he was and wasn't sick. When he was sick, I always took him in to my veterinarian for service, and I feel like that has saved his life a few times. Check out this blog for more information.
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Understanding Veterinary Care
Who Let The Dogs Out? 2 Dangers Of Allowing Your Dog Out Unsupervised In Icy Weather
Cameron Torres
Caring for your dog can be a complicated task. Not only do you need to train, feed, and groom them, but you will also need to provide them with a safe, healthy environment. Unfortunately, keeping your dog safe while they are out unsupervised can be challenging due to the various weather elements. In icy weather, there are many dangers that can affect your dog's health and well-being. Here are a few issues your dog may face while outdoors in icy weather without your supervision.
Frostbite
Most dog breeds have a coat of fur that can protect them from the cold weather. However, the bottom of your dog's paws are not covered in fur, so they are susceptible to freezing temperatures and icy conditions that can lead to frostbite.
When walking your dog outdoors, you will be able to monitor their contact with cold, icy surfaces. Monitoring your dog's contact when they are out unsupervised is more difficult, so there is a risk of frostbite.
After your dog has been outdoors, check them for symptoms of potential frostbite. Focus most of your inspections on their paws. If you notice blistering, swelling, or redness on their paws, they most likely have frostbite. Also, gently press on their paws even if they are not showing any signs of frostbite. If they pull away, they may be experiencing pain associated with frostbite.
Treat the dog's paws with warm water. Make sure the water is not excessively hot. The water should not have a temperature over 108 degrees. After washing with warm water, wrap your dog's paws in a warm, dry towel.
If blisters are present and your dog is still experiencing pain, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Sprains/Fractures
Most people are surprised to learn dogs can slip and fall in icy conditions in s similar manner as humans. If your dog goes out unsupervised, you may not even realize they have slipped and injured themselves in the slippery winter precipitation. Without immediate treatment, a minor sprain and lead to serious pain. In addition, a fractured bone can also become painful and immobilizing.
After your dog has been outdoors for a few minutes, pay attention to the way they are walking, climbing, running, and jumping. If you notice they are limping or struggling to perform activities they were capable of doing before, they may have slipped on a slippery surface.
Prevention is your best weapon against sprains and fractures. Before winter precipitation arrives, prepare the outdoors for your dog. Spread ice on steps and sidewalks where your dog will be walking. Also, shovel snow and ice away after a winter storm to give your dog a clean, dry surface to move through without any risk of injury.
Your dog deserves a great deal of care through the colder seasons. With this guide, you will understand a few dangers of allowing your dog to go outdoors when it is snowy and icy. Contact a pet clinic, like Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A, for more help.
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