Cold Weather Dangers and Precautions by Our Columbus Veterinary Team at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital

At Hamilton Road Animal Hospital, our Columbus veterinary team takes great pride in providing the highest standard of care to the local pet population. And with snow and colder weather hitting hard around us, now is a good time to remind pet owners to take some extra precautions.

Cold Weather Dangers for Your Dogs and Cats

There are numerous potential dangers the cold weather can bring to your pets aside from the obvious dangers of hypothermia and freezing temperatures. For example, many people are adding antifreeze to their vehicles this time of year. When you fill up your car with antifreeze, make sure any leftover liquid is stored in a secure location away from your pet's reach. Unfortunately, antifreeze has a pleasant, sweet taste to dogs and cats, but it can be lethal in amounts as little as a teaspoon. Also, be sure to clean up any antifreeze spills immediately.

Another potential risk is that of ice melting products, which can actually be very irritating to a pet's skin or mouth. In some cases, pets that ingest ice melting products can suffer from depression, vomiting, and drooling. The best way to protect your pet from this is to avoid using these products on your own property unless they're clearly marked as being pet-safe. Furthermore, wipe your pet's paws off once you get inside anytime your pet's paws have come into contact with ice melting products.

Protect Your Pets from Winter Conditions in the Surrounding Areas of Columbus, Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Pickerington, and Groveport, OH

In addition to protecting your pets from these potentially dangerous cold-weather products, you should also take action to ensure your pets are kept warm and safe during these frigid months. Never leave your pet out in the cold for extended periods of time, especially if temperatures drop below 20 degrees. When temperatures are extremely cold, only let your pet out when absolutely necessary and let your pet back inside immediately. Be aware of your local ordinances and animal control laws regarding pets and cold weather, and don't hesitate to call animal control if you see any pets being left outside in your neighborhood.

Request an Appointment with Our Columbus Veterinarians

And of course, if your pets are ever in need of medical care, whether for a routine exam or something more serious, schedule an appointment with our veterinarians at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital today. We proudly serve Columbus, Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Pickerington, and Groveport. You can reach our office at (614) 239-0027.