Winter weather can be more dangerous to a dog than you'd think. Not only do you have to worry about keeping your dog warm when winter temperatures plummet, you also have to worry about protecting him from seasonal dangers.

Here are a few winter safety tips that will help keep your dog healthy this winter.

1. Anti-Freeze - Anti-freeze and windshield wiper fluid are extremely toxic to dogs. Ingesting even small amounts of it can be deadly. The problem is, dogs like the sweet taste. Puddles of anti-freeze leaking from a car can tempt your dog to lap them up. If your dog walks through anti-freeze and then licks his paws, he will ingest the toxic substance. Be safe. Store anti-freeze and wiper fluid out of your dog's reach. Clean up any puddles leaking from your car. Keep your dog away from tempting puddles of anti-freeze when you walk him, and ALWAYS clean his paws thoroughly when he comes in from a walk.

2. Rock salt - Conventional rock salt is commonly used to melt snow and ice on sidewalks, driveways and roadways. But rock salt can be very dangerous to dogs. In addition to stinging, burning and irritating your dog's paws, rock salt can be toxic when ingested in large amounts. Do not allow your dog to lick the rock salt from his dirty paws. Thoroughly clean rock salt from your dog's paws after his walk to prevent burning, irritation and ingestion. If you use rock salt at home, make sure it is safely stored out of your dog's reach.

3. Snow and ice - Ice and snow and melting chemicals can sting, burn and irritate your dog's paws. In very cold weather, the pads on the bottom of your dog's feet take a real beating, becoming dry and cracked. To prevent this, thoroughly wash your dog's feet after every walk. The hair between your dog's toes collects ice and snow - keep it trimmed. If dryness persists, apply petroleum jelly to the pads of your dog's feet before each walk.

. Frostbite - Be on the lookout for frostbite. Even short exposure to sub-zero temperatures can cause frostbite to paws, nose or ears. Frostbitten skin is red or gray in color - it may peel off. Apply warm moist towels to thaw the affected area slowly, then contact your veterinarian.

Winter dangers are lurking everywhere, so be prepared and keep your dog safe. Remember, when he goes out for a walk those four little paws can come into contact with plenty of dangerous irritants and chemicals. That's why it's so important to wash your dog's paws after every walk.

That's not always easy, especially in winter. You don't want to hose them down. Bowls of water are messy and are easily knocked over by your excited pet. Wet soapy towels can be used, but it's hard to get your dog to cooperate and stand still long enough to do a thorough job - and you can quickly accumulate a LOT of dirty towels!


My staff and I really like the Paw Plunger . Lots of veterinarians recommend it because it's a quick and easy way to clean dirty paws ... and it really works. It looks like a big mug. Beneath the lid, there is an opening where your dog's paws can be inserted one at a time. Inside the "mug" is a 360-degree brush system that gently brushes your dog's paws clean. You just fill it with warm soapy water and leave it near the door. When your dog comes inside, plunge each of his paws a couple of times and then dry them with a towel. With the Paw Plunger, there are no spills, no mess and no more dirty paws. To learn more about it, go to: www.petproductadvisor.com/pawplunger