Pet owners can do their part to make sure their four-legged loved ones are safe this winter.

Dr. Kaitlyn Brown, Veterinarian at Foothills Animal Hospital, says common injuries she sees this time year due to the ice and snow are broken toe nails, injured knees, and blown ligaments.

Brown says she frequently gets asked about jackets for dogs.

"My rule of thumb is if you wouldn't mind wearing a jacket this time of year then they could do with a jacket as well," she explains. "Some of the really long coated dogs would get a little bit too hot but if they're a short coated dog I would recommend, no matter their size, a jacket for them in the really cold weather."

Brown adds that booties are a great option to help prevent slips on the ice and protect paws from frostbite and the dangers of salt.

If pet owners don't have booties, they can still take proper steps to avoid injuries from ice melt products and salt.

"It causes some surface burns so just as soon as they get it on, just wash it off or wipe it away as soon as you can." says Brown.

For more tips from Brown about what foods are safe to feed pets at Christmas dinner, click here.

 

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