We are fortunate in the Lower Mainland that we avoid most harsh winter weather and storms and our cold snaps do not last long, but there are times each winter when we have to use antifreeze and de-icing products.

Antifreeze:
Pet safe antifreeze is available for purchase and we recommend using these products.  However, you should not automatically assume that everyone is using a pet safe product for their own vehicles.  Please be aware of puddles or slight dripping around cars and on roads/driveways/parking lots etc.  Your pet may drink from these ‘sweet tasting’ puddles or lick their paws after walking through them.  To be safe always wipe your pet’s feet after a walk with a warm wash cloth.  Please note that ingesting antifreeze can cause acute renal failure and may present as lethargy, loss of appetite, and/or vomiting.  Contact your Veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning from antifreeze as time is crucial in treatment.

De-Icer:
Rock salt and de-icing products can be harmful as well.  Again, there are pet friendly alternatives and if you can use these products this will help alleviate ingestion.  After walks use a warm wash cloth to wipe your pet’s feet to clean off any de-icing residue.  (Using gravel or sand can be an alternative, however remember there is manual clean up afterwards to avoid runoff into drains and waterways.)

Other Winter Hazards:

• Warm engines can be a safe refuge for cats and wildlife on cold winter days. Be cautious when starting your vehicles.
• Cold weather and outside dogs/cats – always provide ample warm shelter with thick bedding in a location out of the wind and monitor them closely and regularly. Bring in your pets indoors on days/nights below freezing. Ensure fresh water is always available and remember if it is cold enough it can freeze.
• Be cautious of thin ice as pets may venture on unsafe surfaces and fall through becoming victim to hypothermia or drowning.
• Frostbite and hypothermia are two serious concerns with pets left outside in the cold for too long. Frostbite results when the blood is pulled from the extremities to the core of the body. An animals’ ears, paws or tail are at risk if ice crystals start to form in the tissue leading to long-term damage. If you are concerned call your veterinarian and start warming your pet.
• Remember older pets or ones with underlying health problems are more prone to developing issues more quickly.