With cold weather expected to dive deep into the negatives this week, veterinarians want to remind pet owners to limit their time outside just like you would with children.
Dr. Robert Temple, a veterinarian at VetPartners in Plymouth, says it's especially important to be careful with shorter-haired breeds, as even more than 15 minutes can sometimes be too much.
“If we’re above zero, you know, around 10 degrees or so, I think upwards of a half hour is still reasonable,” Temple said.
Temple says it's a good idea to bundle up your pets in jackets and boots if they'll let you.
Additionally, Temple says that wax products applied to the pads of their paws work well to keep out salt and chemicals found on sidewalks and roads this time of year.
“If you’re noticing that in the area that you tend to walk your dog, there are significant amounts of salt or potential chemicals on the ground, trying to avoid those areas and or washing off their feet with a warm washcloth is a reasonable course of action,” Temple said.