With the weather we've had over the past couple of days, and the weather we're supposed to be getting in the next couple of days, I thought I would write to you about the hazards of winter weather as it relates to your pets. Firstly, I would like to make you aware of some issues that can arise with ice salt. Ice salt is mostly composed of sodium chloride but can contain other salts such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. It is important to keep your pets away from these salts as if they are ingested in large amounts orally, they can cause hypernatremia, hypermagnesemia, and hypercalcemia---all of which can be life threatening. A few licks of these salts from the sidewalk is probably not a big deal but I have had patients die after gaining access to the bag of ice salt and ingesting way to much. Be sure that your pets do not have access to salted walks for extended periods of time, especially those pets that will eat anything. You should also make sure the bags of salt are stored well away from your pet's reach as well. Also, try to keep your pets off the salted walk ways as much as possible as the melted salt/water mixture on their feet can cause dermatitis, pain, and in severe cases, ulceration of the foot pads. You can always just rinse them off with a wet wash cloth after they come inside as well. Finally, I can't mention winter hazards without mentioning anti-freeze. In an ideal world everyone should have switched to the pet-friendly anti-freeze solutions already but, we live far from an ideal world. In the winter, especially on days when everything has been frozen for days, sometimes the only "liquid" around a home maybe leaking anti-freeze. Furthermore, it is usually brightly colored and easily seen contrasting with a white background--and it is sweet tasting!!! Unfortunately, the best way to treat anti-freeze toxicity is to prevent it in the first place. Unless an animal is observed ingesting anti-freeze and decontamination protocols can be implemented immediately. anti-freeze toxicosis is almost always fatal once the animal is showing signs it is sick. If you haven't switched to pet-friendly anti-freeze, I encourage you to do so!! You're vehicle may not be leaking now, and I hope it never does, but you could save yourself and your fur-babies a lot of trouble by making the switch this winter!!!
Stay warm everyone!
Dr. Jones