❄️ Winter cold & dry skin

Cold weather brings its own hazards, especially for small, senior, and short-coated pets.

Shorten walks in freezing temps and consider a coat for pets that feel the cold. Ice-melt salt irritates and can be toxic if licked, so wipe paws (and belly) after every walk; paw balm helps with cracking.

Indoor heating dries skin - a humidifier and omega-3s help. The biggest winter danger is antifreeze: it tastes sweet and even a small amount causes fatal kidney failure, so clean spills and store it sealed. Any suspected ingestion is an immediate emergency.