Now that we know there are at least 6 more weeks of Winter weather, here are a few more reminders for your pets.  Take steps to prevent accidental exposures to two potentially dangerous products commonly used during the winter—antifreeze and ice melts. 

Antifreeze products containing ethylene glycol are highly toxic, and can produce life-threatening kidney damage, even in small amount. If you use antifreeze this winter, please take the following precautions:
·        Always clean up spills immediately, and regularly check your car for leaks.
·        Store antifreeze containers in clearly marked sealed containers, in areas that are inaccessible to pets.
·        Consider switching to a product that contains propylene glycol, which is less toxic to pets. 

Available in both liquid and solid forms, ice melts are used to melt ice and snow on slippery sidewalks, roadways and driveways. Dermal exposure to paws is very common, and can result in irritation of the skin. Additionally, pets may ingest ice melt from their paws or directly from the ground. Depending on the amount ingested, this can result in a variety of effects, from drooling and diarrhea to excessive thirst, low blood pressure, decreased muscle function and, in severe cases, seizures, coma and even death. 

More tips for winter:

·        Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

·        During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

·        Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags. ·        Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

·        Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

·        Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

·        Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

·        Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

·        Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.