10 winter dangers every pet owner should know

Cold, snow or freezing winds can have particularly harmful effects on the health of a dog or cat. We explain to you why.

1. Weight gain

The cold winter does not always make you want to take long walks outside. It's the same for animals. Thus, they are less active at this time of year when they eat the same amount of food and tend to gain weight.

To avoid this, do not hesitate to stimulate your furball thanks to indoor games (obstacle course, hide and seek, education sessions…).

2. Snow-removing salt

The salt used to clear snow from roads and sidewalks is particularly harmful to dogs and cats. Not only is it important to ensure that they do not ingest it, on pain of being victims of intoxication, but in addition, it is necessary to remember to rinse their legs well after an outing in order to avoid any risk. irritation.

3. Snow on the pads

After a walk in the snow, chapping or frostbite may appear on the animal's pads. To avoid this, remember to dry your companion's paws well when you get home. A protective ointment can also be applied before going out.

4. The reverberation of the sun

As with humans, the sun that reverberates on the snow can burn the eyes of our dear animals. Problem: they don't have sunglasses. If you plan to take your dog to ski, do not let him frolic too long in the snow.

5. Snow ingestion

6. Boredom

In winter, the masters are generally less active and the animals too. Boredom can quickly set in and sometimes even cause depression. Only one solution: play, play, and play again!

7. Cold cars

In the summer, a dog or cat left alone in a car can quickly die of suffocation and dehydration. Indeed, the car acts like a furnace.

But in winter, the same advice applies. Leaving an animal in a frosty car can cost him his life because it can act like a real freezer.

8. The common cold

Yes, an animal can, like us, catch a cold. It is enough that it has been exposed to humidity for too long to catch a little cold. So remember to dry your dog or cat well if it is wet and it is cold outside. And above all, do not leave it all day in the homeless garden!

9. Candles and fire logs

In winter, candles and fireplaces are lit to warm rooms and hearts. Indeed, what could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner? But beware, cats and dogs are not used to seeing fire and their curiosity could push them to get too close. An accident quickly occurred!

10. Fleas and ticks

Did you think you were safe from these pesky parasites from November to March? Think again, fleas and ticks are resistant and in addition, they are clever! Indeed, they are quite capable of going home to shelter from the cold during the winter period.