When temperatures drop, pet owners should take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and healthy. Recently, Dr. Sharon Finster, our board-certified criticalist at South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) joined Spotlight Carolina to discuss the most important cold weather safety tips for pets.

Cold Weather Risks for Pets

Winter brings unique hazards that can pose serious health risks to pets, including:

• Hypothermia and Frostbite – Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to dangerous conditions, particularly for short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas.

• Toxic Substances – Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly poisonous due to its sweet taste and can cause kidney failure if ingested. Deicing salts can irritate paws and lead to serious health issues if licked.

• Cold Cars – While hot cars are dangerous in summer, cold cars act like refrigerators in winter, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

How SAVES Can Help

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty provides comprehensive emergency and specialty care, including:

• Critical care for pets suffering from severe cold exposure.

• Surgery for frostbite-related injuries.

• Internal medicine for toxin ingestion and other winter-related health concerns.

• 24-hour ICU care to ensure pets receive the highest level of medical attention.

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Cold Weather

Dr. Finster emphasizes the importance of recognizing risks and taking preventive measures to keep pets safe during cold weather. If your pet experiences any winter-related health issues, the SAVES team is ready to help.

• Visit us at: 1836 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803

• Call us at: 828-210-8285

• Visit our website at: www.SouthAshevilleVets.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQJnnpIUHqE

Watch the full interview above to learn more about protecting your pets during cold weather!