You already know that it is going to be brutal, should you have consulted the forecast for this weekend. This is not merely jacket weather, however, but a real emergency, to dog people in North Carolina and the Northeast as a whole.
The National Weather Service has issued an alert of a crucial decline in temperatures beginning this evening, and wind chills that may make 20 degrees appear like single digits. When we dress up in layers, our dogs are usually exposed to dangers that we are not even thinking about until it is too late.
You have planned to walk your dog this weekend, and read this first before you do it. It would save you an emergency visit to the veterinarian.
The Threat: It is Faster Than You Think.
Most owners assume their dog has fur and is okay. This is a dangerous myth.
Did your dog get a fur coat that is manufactured to withstand sub-freezing wind chills on the East Coast today, other than you have a Husky or a Malamute?
The veterinarians argue that it only takes an animal with a keen sense of cold 20 minutes before the ears, tail, and paws of a dog are affected by frostbite. Even smaller breeds (such as Chihuahuas or Terriers) and short-haired ones (such as Boxers or Pitbulls) are at high risk at an even faster rate.
The Hidden Killer: The Sidewalk Salt Danger.
It is not the cold that is the enemy this weekend. The asphalt of the streets and the pavement of sidewalks are being sprayed over with rock salt and the de-icing chemicals, as the cities of Raleigh, Charlotte, and extending northward to New York get ready to open their streets and sidewalks.
Why is this dangerous (North Carolina)?
Chemical Burns: Salt can cause painful chemical burns on your dog’s paw pads. When your dog looks like he or she is not walking anymore, is limping, or holding a paw high, it is probably burning.
Toxicity: You will find your dog licking his feet to clean them when you return indoors. Consumption of these de-icing chemicals may cause severe toxicity, vomiting, and even seizures.
The Remedy: It is necessary to clean your dog’s days after entering the house by wiping them with a warm, damp towel. Even better, apply dog-safe paw balm or booties in case your dog can stand them.
The “10-Second” Rule for Walks
But what do you do to know whether it is too cold to go out? Use the “10-Second Rule.”
Touch the pavement with the back of your bare hand or step out naked. In case you cannot comfortably leave your hand uncovered for 10 seconds, it is too cold to have your dog go longer than a quick restroom break.
For this weekend, set aside your routine:
Reduce the Walks: Open up the regular 30-minute loop to three 5-10-minute walks that you have to take as potty breaks.
Play Indoors: A dog that is bored is a destructive one. This can also be spent playing hide-and-seek with snacks in the house or teaching new tricks to spend mental energy.
A Note on Cars and Antifreeze
Lastly, a pathetic reminder to people who park outside.
Cats and wildlife in this cold extreme usually seek warmness in the engine wheel wells of vehicles. You need to bang the hood of your car before beginning your engine this weekend in order to scare any stowaways away.
Also, monitor your driveway regarding antifreeze leakages. Dogs find the green/blue liquid sweet, but it is a poison that is fatal. Even a teaspoon can be fatal. In case of spillage, wipe it off.
Stay Safe and Stay Warm
This ice age will not last long, and it takes just one slip to make winter weekend a tragedy. Get your walks by and keep those paws clean, and when it comes right, keep your paws inside.
Stay warm, everyone. Post this warning to your neighbors with pets.
Also check- Top 5 Best Dog Sweaters for Small Dogs
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