50 The Queens Courier • pets • december 17, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com pets Keep your pets healthy and happy Dry skin, winter weight gain and the common cold - humans aren’t the only ones to struggle with winter woes. Cold weather can affect our pets’ health, too. While you can put in some extra time on the treadmill and layer up for the cold weather, pets rely on their human companions to help them stay healthy all year long. As temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, keep these simple safety tips in mind to help keep your pets safe and healthy this winter: Dress to impress ... and stay warm With thick coats and hardy constitutions, s some animal breeds are made to stand up to Old Man Winter. But most domestic dogs will feel the cold, so it makes sense to outfit them for the weather. Sweaters, booties and other winter essentials aren’t just fashionable, they’re functional; they can help protect your four-legged friends from extreme cold, snow and ice. So be sure to dress your pet appropriately for the weather. Keeping ID tags up-to-date and secure on your pet’s collar is also a crucial part of any pet’s winter wardrobe. Dogs especially can lose their way in snowcovered landscapes that mask familiar scents and scenery. It’s best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure it is wearing an ID tag at all times to keep Fido safe and secure all season. Avoid toxic temptations Common products around your house can sometimes pose a threat to pets. For example, antifreeze can keep your vehicle running when temperatures drop, but it can stop your pet in its tracks if even a small amount is ingested. Be sure to keep all jugs of antifreeze, and other household chemicals, tightly sealed and stored on a high shelf away from pets. Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid accidental ingestion.- Always keep an eye on your pet’s behavior.- If you notice anything out of the ordinary, consult a veterinarian immediately. Get safer sidewalks and happy paws Ice and snow can make winter walks anything but wonderful.- It’s essential to keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow to prvent dangerous slip and fall accidents.- While salted sidewalks and streets are important for winter safety, they can irritate pets’ paws. Using a petfriendly ice melter can clear the way but still be safer for our furry friends. Most pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, and the majority (70 percent) think about their pets when they prepare for winter, according to a recent survey. But only about one in four pet owners use a pet-friendly ice melter during the winter. Choosing an ice melter that is both salt- and chloride-free is a great way to put your best paw forward. Take a bite out of winter weight Like people, pets are less active in winter and burn fewer calories. Keep up a regular schedule of outdoor excursions - weather permitting and assuming your pet is properly dressed for the cold. In addition, consult your veterinarian about proper diet during “hibernation” season and adjust your pet’s diet accordingly to avoid winter weight gain. While the elements may not always be on your side, with some precautions and preparations, your pets can weather the winter season - and be happy and healthy heading into spring. Courtesy BPT Amie B. Mizzi, LMHC Pet Bereavement Specialist Here to listen, help, and heal 135 Trinity Place West Hempstead, NY 11552 917-359-8395 NewDay Counseling Thank you for voting us Best Veterinarian 2 Years in a Row Best Veterinarian of the QueensCourier.com Get 2014 THE QUEENS st Place Acquainted SPECIAL 50% Off Exam Fee (not to be combined with any other promotions or offers). Expires 1/25/16 with coupon. QC QC Senior Citizen & Multi-Pet Discount Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Ronald Rosen, D.V.M. Michael Ferber, D.V.M. Robert Foley, D.V.M. Jaimie Zhen, D.V.M. Wellness Exams • Annual Exam & Vaccination • Spaying & Neutering Pediatric & Geriatric Care • Soft Tissue & Orthopedic Surgery • Radiology • Ultrasonography Electrocardiography • Endoscopy • Dental Care • Diagnostic Laboratory • Dermatology & Allergy Testing • Nutrition & Behavioral Counseling Internal Medicine • Cancer Care Alternative Medicine • Boarding & Bathing • Physical Therapy Underwater Treadmill 42-02 215 St, Bayside, NY 11361 718.423.9600 Af liated with South Bellmore Veterinary Group 2506 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY 11710 • 516-783-9100 DENTAL CLEANING 15% Off With Exam (not to be combined with any other promotions or offers). Expires 1/25/16 with coupon. Since 1939 Full Service Hospital Providing Exceptional Care to Companion Animals www.nsah.biz FREE PARKING
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