Winter Safety Tips for your Dog!

•                      Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Unfortunately, because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle.

•                      After a walk remember to thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when they comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. If they lick their paws, your pup may ingest salt, street cleaner or other potentially dangerous chemicals that have ended up in the snow or ice.

•                      Most dogs love playing in the snow and it can be great exercise, just be cautious as they could be injured when it is icy and slippery! Also, eating snow can cause vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs.

•                      Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors. Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.

•                      Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

•                      Watch out for cars. Roads are especially dangerous after a storm. Cars can skid or spin out of control.

•                      Avoid walking your dog on metal surfaces. Nearly everyone who raises a dog in the city has most likely learned how the salt used on streets and sidewalks to melt ice also has the potential to corrode underground wiring. Every year at least one dog gets electrocuted this way, falling victim to an avoidable tragedy. Avoid all metal areas during inclement weather, including manhole covers, lamp posts, and metal plates.

•                      Don't leave your dog alone in a car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

•                      Watch out for space heaters: Make sure your dog doesn't accidentally jump on the heater or even brush up against it. Coming into contact with the heater could cause serious burns.

•                      If you are heading for a warmer climate and someone will be sitting your puppy, please remember to let your area coordinator know where your puppy will be. You can find puppy sitting forms on our website at www.seeingeye.org at the raise a puppy tab, click for current puppy raiser and under that is puppy sitting forms.