The Dangers of Winter To Your Pets
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Products such as salt and anti-freeze can harm your pets. Video by fox47news.com
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About 10 million tons of salt are used on roads in the United States each year, and that number doesn't include the amount people put on their sidewalks. But all that salt can be dangerous to your pets.
The salt you spread to get rid of ice can cause problems for your pet. Dr. Robyn Barbiers - veterinarian and president of the anti-cruelty society says: "It can irritate the pads of their feet and if they start licking it, it can cause some upset stomachs."
As well as vomiting and diarrhea, if they eat too much it can potentially be deadly, so is anti-freeze. For some reason dogs and cats love the taste, but one sip can be devastating "Very, very dangerous, usually causes fatalities." says Barbiers.
If your dog has no where else to walk it's important that you wash their paws with warm water when they come in the house, otherwise, they'll lick their feet and ingest the salt. For your own home, pick a pet friendly ice melter.
Animals can suffer hypothermia too. Those with thin fur need to be bundled up just like you do, and limit outdoor exposure in frigid temperatures.
Another thing to look out for is space heaters. Every year, numerous house fires start with space heaters knocked over by pets. If you use one, make sure it shuts off automatically if it is tipped.
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