NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital told Hutch Post to be sure that pet owners know to clear space for their pets so they can take care of their outside needs, even when the weather is bad.
"They've got to get out there with a shovel and clear a spot," Austin said. "I have to do that at home as well out the back door and you just have to make it so they can get out to their area that they like to go to and find their scent and they're much more likely to do a good job out there and get done what you want them to do if you make it so they can get to their area. You don't have to clean it down to the grass, but you've got to get it low enough they can walk comfortably for sure."
Some breeds can get cold easily without being outside for very long.
"If it's 20 degrees or below, you need to be very attentive to what's happening with your pet," Austin said. "Pit bulls after just a few minutes out there were standing in one place and raising a foot and then raising a foot. Their feet are getting cold so they can have frostbite, they can have hypothermia, they can have everything that we have in a situation like that if they're not, you know, capable and if you look at those dogs' feet, they don't have the hair coat on the toes and in between the toes, between the pads like the heavy haired dogs do so it'd be like us being outside without a coat, if you will, or without shoes."
Also, if you are trying to use salt to melt ice, use salt that is safe for pets.
"You can end up with toxicity," Austin said. "Antifreeze is classic for poisoning, it binds to the kidney and makes problems for the dog and so you want to, you know, you definitely want to choose your products wisely if you're salting an area or thawing an area where your pet is going to be."
Contact your veterinarian if you have questions about what product to use.