Winter can be a wonderful time to spend with your pets. What many pet owners may not be aware of is that winter can also pose particular dangers for dogs and cats. Here is a rundown of the greatest threats to your pet's health this winter and tips on how to avoid them.

Frostbite and Outdoor Pets
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures affects animals just like people. Even short exposure to subzero temperatures can cause frostbite on your pet's feet, nose, and ear tips. Indoor pets that are not acclimated to winter temperatures should not be left outside in cold weather for long periods.
If your pet is normally housed outdoors, she will be able to
withstand fairly cold temperatures if she is adequately sheltered
from the cold, wind, and rain and has appropriate bedding that
insulates her from the cold ground. Outdoor pets also need
extra food in cold weather to generate body heat, and they need ready access to nonfrozen water. Safe, heated floor mats or warm bedding also help. Avoid electrical heating devices, which can electrocute your pet if they become wet or are chewed.

Rock Salt and Rodenticides
The chemicals in rock salt or other ice melting products can irritate and burn the pads of your pet's paws and cause serious problems if ingested. Depending on the actual ingredients of the ice melt product and the quantity ingested, signs could include excessive drooling, depression, or vomiting. To prevent problems, store ice melt in closed containers
and use a damp cloth to wipe off your pet's feet after she has been outside. Rat and mouse poisons are used more commonly during colder weather. If they are ingested by your pet, rodenticides can cause serious harm, including severe bleeding, kidney failure, and even death. Signs of rodenticide poisoning occur 2 to 14 days after ingestion and include bruising of the skin, pale gums, coughing up blood, and blood in the urine or stool.
If rodenticides are used in your home, be sure to place them in areas that are inaccessible to your pets, and keep a record of the exact product used. Contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic if you suspect exposure, as animals will often appear normal until it is too late to treat them successfully.

Antifreeze
Most radiator antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to the kidneys and potentially deadly. The sweet taste of antifreeze makes it tempting to pets.
Unfortunately, ingestion of very small amounts can be lethal.
Antifreeze is very fast acting and results in kidney failure and death in as little as 4 to 8 hours. If your pet has ingested antifreeze, she may act 'drunk.' But many pets that consume
antifreeze show no signs at all until they collapse about 8 to 12 hours after ingestion. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
To avoid this hazard at your home, thoroughly clean up any antifreeze spills, and store it in tightly closed containers in secured cabinets. Dispose of old antifreeze in a sealed
container rather than hosing it down the driveway. Newer antifreeze and coolant products are essentially nontoxic are available at many auto supply stores.

Holiday Hazards
During the holidays, pets often have access to foods that they ordinarily do not. In addition, many owners are tempted to feed their pets table food. Eating these foods could
cause your pet gastrointestinal upset or worse. To keep her safe, make sure your pet does not have access to chocolate, raisins, onions, coffee, yeast dough, fatty foods, or alcohol.
A number of holiday plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Some of the more popular but potentially problematic plants include mistletoe, holly, boxberry, amaryllis, and Christmas rose. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia, bayberry, winter begonia, and Christmas cactus plants are not toxic to pets, although they can cause vomiting or diarrhea
if ingested in large quantities. If you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant, call your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Liquid potpourri, commonly used during the holidays, can cause severe burns to the mouth, eyes, and skin, particularly in cats. Ingestion occurs when a cat licks the heated liquid in simmer pots or grooms herself after walking through a spill. If your pet is a cat, it's probably best to avoid liquid potpourri altogether.
What many pet owners may not be aware of is that winter can also pose particular dangers for dogs and cats.