How to Keep your Dog Safe during Winter Storms!

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your dogs so they can enjoy the snow!

If you have a dog, it's probably not just a pet to you and your family. Dogs quickly become fully fledged family members after we adopt them - and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Which is why it is important for us to know how to care for them in all conditions. Winter storms can be dangerous for people, but also for dogs. Here are some tips to keep them safe:

Prepare

• Make sure to stock up on supplies of non-perishable food, bottled water, medicine, blankets, candles, flashlights, and batteries.
• If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood, fire logs, paper, and matches. If you don’t have a fireplace, you could invest in a portable generator to power an electric heater.

During the Storm

• Never leave your pet outside or in a garage during a winter storm. Although pets have fur, they are still at risk when temperatures drop. So keeping them warm will be a priority. It’s recommended to confine pets to the room with the biggest heat source.
• Keep a favorite toy nearby to keep them active and engaged.
• If your dog needs to go out for a bathroom break during a storm, they should be leashed and never left unattended. Strong winds and blowing snow can cause dogs to lose their sense of scent and get lost.
• If your pet is small or short-haired, you can dress them in a vest and booties to provide extra protection against the frigid elements.

After the Storm

• The effects of a snow storm can last for days after. Ration supplies accordingly as you wait for power to be restored.
• Dogs may be eager to run around outside in the snow, but be on the lookout for hazards that could injure them. Such dangers could be fallen power lines, icicles on roof eaves, and heavy blocks of wet snow sliding off rooftops. 
• Snow-melting salt is also harmful to dogs from contact on their paws or ingestion. Make sure to supervise, and wipe salt off their paws to prevent any problems.
• Always check between dogs' toes for irritating chunks of snow after play time!

Keep your best friend safe, and we will worry about the rest. Call (484) 841-6669 if you have any damage from winter storms! SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is here to help!