As a management company focused on the well-being of all our residents (including the furry ones!), we compiled this essential guide to keep your dogs and cats safe, warm, and healthy during the coldest months.

Remember: If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.

1. Paw Protection: The Dangers of Road Salt

The rock salt and de-icing chemicals used on Toledo’s sidewalks and streets are highlyabrasive, dehydrating, and toxic if ingested. Protecting your dog’s paws is your number one outdoor priority.

• • The Problem: Road salt can cause painful cracking, dryness, and chemical burns on paw pads. If your dog licks the salt off their paws, it can lead to digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea) or, in severe cases, salt toxicity (tremors, seizures). Warning: Because rock salt and de-icers often blend into snow and slush, it is difficult to spot where the residue is present, making the post-walk cleaning essential.

• • The Corrosive Mechanism: When your dog steps on salt and then into snow or water, the salt crystals dissolve, creating a highly concentrated, corrosive saltwater solution known as brine. This brine intensifies the chemical burn and is more easily absorbed into cracked paw pads. The discomfort forces the dog to lick the area, increasing the ingestion risk.

• • The Practical Barrier Strategy: We know not every dog tolerates booties! For those who refuse footwear, the best defense is a moisture barrier. Apply a protective paw balm or wax (like petroleum jelly) generously into paw pads before going outside to create a thick barrier against salt and chemicals. Booties provide the best protection, but wax is an essential alternative.

• • The Post-Walk Rinse (Non-Negotiable): You must always wipe or rinse your pet’s feet and stomach with warm water immediately after every walk to remove ice, salt, and chemical residue. Pay close attention to the spaces between the toes and dry thoroughly to prevent moisture build-up and cracking.

• • Grooming Tip: For long-haired breeds, trim the fur between the toes to prevent clinging ice balls, salt crystals, and chemicals from building up and causing discomfort.

2. Guarding Against Cold Weather Illnesses

Even animals with thick fur are vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. Be aware of the signs of trouble and act fast.

Hypothermia (Low Body Temperature)

• • Signs: Look for persistent shivering (which may stop as the condition worsens), lethargy, wobbliness, cold ears, paws, and tail, shallow breathing, or disorientation.

• • Action: If you suspect hypothermia (body temperature drops below 99 degrees fahrenheit, immediately move the pet indoors, wrap them in blankets, and contact your veterinarian.

Frostbite

• • Signs: Frostbite typically affects extremities like the ears, tail, and paws. Affected areas may look pale, gray, or white and feel cold and hard to the touch. Damage may not appear until the skin begins to thaw.

• • Action: Do not rub the affected area. Soak the area in warm (not hot) water to help thaw the frozen tissue gradually, and seek veterinary care.

Toxic Hazards

• • Antifreeze: Antifreeze is highly toxic and lethal for pets, but it has a dangerously sweet taste. Clean up any spills immediately and consider using pet-safe products containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.

• • Ice Melt: Avoid letting your pet lick snow or sludge, as it may contain harmful de-icers. Keep all chemicals stored safely and out of your pet’s reach.

3. Indoor Comfort and Care

A cozy, dry indoor environment is the best defense against winter illnesses.

• • Limit Outdoor Exposure: Keep walks short when temperatures are below freezing. Very young, very old, and short-haired pets should wear a coat or sweater.

• • Maintain Coat Health: Avoid shaving your pet’s coat down in winter, as longer fur provides essential warmth. For long-haired breeds, trim the fur between the toes to minimize clinging ice balls, salt crystals, and chemicals.

• • Provide Warmth: Ensure your pet has a warm, draft-free place to sleep, off the floor. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket is perfect.

• • Hydration and Skin: Winter air is dry. Keep your home humidified and bathe your pet as little as possible during cold spells to avoid removing essential oils that protect their skin from dryness and flaking. Ensure they have plenty of fresh, accessible water.

The Buckeye Northwest Realty Commitment

Our commitment is simple: we prioritize the health and safety of all our residents, including their pets. By following these proactive steps, you ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your entire family all winter long.

While not all properties are pet-friendly, many of our available homes welcome approved pets.

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