WATERLOO -- Old Man Winter is not a dog's best friend.

The chilly winds, slippery ice and the chemicals we use to winterize our cars and homes can have unfortunate consequences for furry companions, say local veterinarians. A long, hard winter, like the one the Cedar Valley is experiencing, can create and exacerbate health problems in dogs and cats.

"It's just like us," said Dr. Bradley Kneeland of Pawsitive Pet Care in Waterloo. "Everybody loves the first snow, but it takes its toll."

The good news, say vets, is with a little preventive care and a watchful eye, the more serious problems will never materialize.

The most common injuries afflicting dogs are of the orthopedic kind: Joints and muscles can be strained and even bones broken during slips or falls on the ice.

"Mainly what we're seeing is some lameness due to slipping, falling and straining," said Dr. Pam Klima of Klima Small Animal Clinic in Waterloo. "We're occasionally seeing some irritation from stepping on some ice, getting some abrasions."

If your pet is limping, Dr. Jim Taylor of Taylor Veterinary Hospital in Cedar Falls said an appropriate-sized dose of noncoated aspirin, such as Bayer, can ease the pain. But if Fido is limping for more than 24 hours, it's likely more than a temporary sprain and requires a trip to the vet's office.

Another problem a bit harder to catch right away is frostbite. Although they've got a built-in coat, dogs and cats are still vulnerable on their ears and the pads of their feet -- places where there isn't very much hair.

Early symptoms of frostbite, said Taylor, include swelling, itching and discomfort around the area within a day or two of exposure. Within a week, the hair around the area will begin to turn white or fall out, and if nothing is done, the area will turn black. Taylor said he's even seen cases where the frostbitten ears of cats have fallen off.

"If there is windchill and we can't stand outside, the same goes for dogs," Kneeland said.

Veterinarians differ on whether rock salt on roadways is hazardous to animals. Kneeland said dogs could get sick from ingesting the salt and could suffer chemical burns on their feet, while Taylor said he hasn't seen cases of that. In any event, nontoxic, animal-friendly rock salt is available for those harboring concerns.

A more pressing concern is if you leave chemicals like antifreeze out; they are potentially fatal to your pet. If you've got a pet that roams around the garage, propylene glycol and other brands of animal-friendly antifreeze are also on the market. If you suspect your pet has ingested any quantity of standard antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately.

For most pet owners, keeping an extra eye on your cats or dogs during the winter season is all that's needed to keep them safe and healthy.

"You just need to use common sense," said Kneeland.

Contact Amie Steffen at (319) 291-1464 or

amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.