Faced with sudden temperature drops, we all need to add clothes and cover with quilts. Besides being careful about burns when keeping dogs warm in winter, what else should we pay attention to? The editor reminds all owners that when keeping dogs warm in winter, you must be cautious of the following three major dangers!

Many owners choose to put clothes on their dogs to keep them warm

　　Danger 1: Oxygen Deficiency
　　Many people like to use heat packs for warmth during winter. The basic principle of heat packs is that the iron powder inside reacts with the moisture and oxygen in the air, producing an exothermic reaction.
　　Many owners, for convenience, put heat packs inside pet cages to provide warmth. However, many small pets, such as geckos and hamsters, are kept in airtight breeding boxes. Some owners cover the boxes with blankets to enhance warmth, resulting in poor air circulation inside the boxes. Pets then suffer from oxygen deficiency and suffocation.
　　Suggestion: When the breeding environment is a breeding box, you can provide external heating outside the box instead of placing heat packs together with pets inside. Also, pay attention to the air circulation inside the box. Heat packs can reach temperatures as high as 60~70 degrees Celsius and also pose a risk of burns, so try to prevent pets from directly touching the heat packs.

Pay close attention to burns when warming your dog

　　Danger 2: Low-Temperature Burns
　　Low-temperature burns occur when a part of the body is in contact with a heat source that emits low but continuous heat for a long time. The heat penetrates deeply into the body tissues, causing redness, whitening, peeling, and blisters, even if the warming item is not very hot. This is commonly seen in cats lying on warm stoves or pets sleeping on electric blankets or hot water bags for prolonged periods.
　　In winter, both humans and pets may become slightly less responsive and slower in sensation. The skin might not feel hot, but the heat already penetrates the soft tissues. Continuous exposure to low-temperature heat sources may cause burns in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues, resulting in deep tissue necrosis. If not detected and treated in time, it can even be fatal.
　　Suggestion: When using heat packs or hot water bags for warming, it’s best to place a cloth barrier between the pet and the heat source. Do not let pets sleep on stoves, electric blankets, or heaters overnight. If using pet electric heaters, heat only a fixed area, leaving pets space to avoid overheating, and carefully control the temperature to reduce the risk of low-temperature burns.

Misconceptions about keeping dogs warm in winter

　　Danger 3: Electric Leakage and Liquid Leakage
　　Recently, many electronic heating products have appeared on the market, which are convenient to use. However, since they are electronic products, improper use may cause electric leakage. Common situations include pets urinating on electric blankets or product damage leading to electric leakage. When a person’s body is wet, touching 110V household electricity can cause shock or death, so pets require special attention when using such products.
　　Additionally, there are many reusable liquid heating or hot water-filled warming products on the market. Because the materials used may not resist punctures or chewing, damage can cause hot water or unknown liquids to leak, which may burn or poison pets.
　　Suggestion: When choosing these products, select those with safety certifications. If you notice pets destroying them, stop this behavior and replace the items promptly. Avoid products with unclear sources or without manufacturer identification.
　　It’s understandable that people and pets want to find warmth in winter. With proper use and extra caution, winter can be warm, comfortable, and safe. Pet owners must pay attention to the following key points and remember that the health and safety of pets are the owners’ responsibility.
　　1. Ensure air circulation and avoid stuffiness
　　2. Always monitor temperature control
　　3. Use barriers for warmth; avoid direct contact
　　4. Don’t forget to keep pets active
　　5. Carefully check products when purchasing