Winter Wellness Exams for Maryland Pets

The greater DC, Maryland, and Virginia area is ideal for those that enjoy all four seasons. While our hearts and souls might enjoy seeing the weather change, our bodies and immune system don’t always follow suit. The same is true for our pets. Schedule a winter wellness exam for your Maryland pet to thrive throughout the season. 

Ahead of the Curve

A winter pet wellness check allows us to provide insight into your pet’s weight and nutritional needs, provide seasonal exercise suggestions, discuss any behavioral needs that can develop due to exercise/enrichment needs, and suggest other ways to keep them healthy, strong, and active. 

A Word About the Weather

Each pet is unique and has their own tolerances for cold weather. Many large breeds or pets with thick double coats can sustain the optimal internal body temperature for longer periods of time. That said, it’s best to approach their exposure to cold weather like people do. If it’s too cold for you, it’s likely going to be too cold for your pet. You can do this by:

• Limiting their play time outside when it’s below freezing or windy
• Washing their paws in lukewarm water and drying thoroughly. This helps to remove drying salt or chemical de-icers from their feet.
• Trimming the hair between paw pads to improve grip and reduce snow/ice buildup. 
• Investing in cold-weather gear like booties, rain jackets, or wooly sweaters to help insulate them.
• Checking their ears, nose, tail and paw pads for any signs of frostbite.
• Providing them with comfortable bedding in a warm, draft-free area. 
• Improving dry indoor air quality with a humidifier.
• Using interactive games or toys when it’s too cold outside to play
• Practicing new training tricks or commands to keep the mind stimulated.
• Building a winter emergency kit complete with pet food, medications, blankets, and first aid supplies just in case the power goes out. 

Winter Pet Hazards

In addition to chemical de-icers and harsh salts, be aware of antifreeze on the ground where your pet walks. Prohibit them from drinking from puddles, only walk on sidewalks, and clean up any spills in the garage or on the driveway. 

Clinical warning signs of winter-related illness include:

• Excessive shivering
• Disorientation or mobility issues
• Blue or pale gums
• Swelling or pain in lower extremities
• Dry, cracked skin
• Any changes to eating/drinking/elimination
• Respiratory distress

Please call us at (301) 258-0333 with any questions or concerns about your pet’s health, wellness and winter safety. Our team is always happy to help at Pet Dominion.