WITH every winter, New Yorkers must face inevitable dangers: ugly, puffy coats that add 10 inches to the waistline, overdoing it on eggnog at the office holiday party, insanity from the three hours it took to drive 10 miles because of poor visibility and icy roads . . . the list is endless.
But for New York cats and dogs, the bitter cold months and indulgent end-of-year festivities bring just as many risks — and it’s up to owners to care for their well-being and safety. Here, some tips on how you and your four-legged friend will be guaranteed to make it to spring unscathed.
* Protect paws
Salt on the roads can be a major hazard for dogs — not just when particles get stuck between their pads and cause discomfort, but when the toxic metals — which are sometimes present in the salt — are ingested. Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of Seaside Animal Care in Calabash, NC, and senior veterinary editor for PetHealthNetwork.com, explains: “Dogs go out and then lick their paws, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and, over time, liver and kidney problems.” He advises owners to invest in protective booties. If your dog won’t tolerate paw-wear, wipe their tootsies when they come in with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes, suggests Dr. Yasmine Mortsakis, director of health and wellness at New York veterinary practice Biscuits & Bath.
* Watch waistlines
Between holiday treats and winter inactivity, it’s important to keep an eye on Fido’s waistline. “You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not easily see them, and see a pinch in the waist from the side and from above,” says Dr. Erica Morgan of Brooklyn’s Hope Veterinary Clinic. “If you can’t, then your baby may be overweight!”
* Dress appropriately
“Most toy-breed dogs or dogs with minimal body fat, such as greyhounds and whippets, will need a coat during the colder months,” says Morgan. “Most larger-breed dogs or dogs with thicker coats do not, but if you see your dog shivering, then a coat is a good idea.”
* Get lit
If you plan on walking your dog off the leash on dark, winter afternoons, use a reflective collar and add a clip-on light, so you can see him. Also consider getting a GPS device for extra caution, says Ward: That way, your dog is easier to find if he wanders off.
* Beware of boilers
As temperatures drop, cats that are used to brushing up against radiators and prowling stovetops can get a nasty, dangerous surprise when these element are suddenly hot. Keep kitty away from counters and provide her with other objects for her to rub against. Likewise, dog owners with working fireplaces should always have a fireguard in place, according to Ward.
* Bring the outside in
If inclement weather prevents you from taking your dog for its regular walks, there are solutions to exercise and bathroom needs. “Training smaller dogs to use pee-pee pads when it is snowy out is a great option. Indoor day-care facilities are also wonderful places,” says Morgan. Likewise, when dogs get antsy from little activity, “get creative with games to stimulate them,” advises Ward. (If they can’t go out, they get bored and might start chewing or doing naughty things.)
* Parasite protection
“A common misconception in the NYC area is that flea-and-tick prevention and heartworm preventatives can be stopped in the colder months,” laments Mortsakis. However, fleas and ticks are active all year round unless there is a constant frost on the ground. And besides, she adds, the heart worm preventatives also protect against other parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.