Now that winter is official in full swing please take a moment to remember an important pet safety issue, that of how your pet is affected by walking on ice.

Every year somebody gets injured because they stepped on a slick patch of unseen ice. Such accidents are quite common and will often bring about a number of problems such as bruising or broken bones. That is just for us humans and we are supposed to know enough to be careful. But does your pet know enough to avoid this potential danger?.

When pets are running around outside, playing in the yard, or just out for potty break, you as the owner should be aware of what areas have ice. Any areas that have icy patches should be avoided by your pets as your pet is just as susceptible to falling on it as you are. In many cases your pet is actually more likely to have a problem with ice. Pet like to run, jump, and play, and if they do so and hit the ice they will risk falling, pulling muscles or broken bones.

A dogs foot pads and claws are not quite the same as having boots and steel cramp-ons (metal spikes) for your shoes. While a pets paws will provide traction, much like a car tire this will lessen some as they get wet. Wet paws on ice just do not grab anything. And unlike cats, your dog's claws do not "grip" into things making them relatively useless for direct traction on ice.

Cold weather also has the added problem of slowing the blood, cooling down then limbs and dampening pain receptors. This effect will be more noticeable in smaller dogs. Because of these cold weather issues your dog could pull a muscle and not even realize it. Any injury your pet incurs outside might go unnoticed until your pet has been inside and warmed up for a while. Make sure that if you see your pets limping, whining or other unusual behavior, that you take them inside as immediately as possible and keep a watchful eye on them. Contact your vet as needed.

Common sense will work best. If you cannot avoid some ice, then make sure your pet is leashed and take it slow. Let your dog walk on the edge of the snow if possible as it will provider better traction. Do your pet to avoid a ice injury for your pet.