‘Treat your dog like you’re treating yourself’

SALT LAKE CITY — This air pollution and cold weather isn’t just bad for you, it’s also bad for your furry friends. One Utah vet says extra attention and protection are crucial for your dog as winter ushers in bad air and cold temperatures.

Dr. Andrea Howard with the Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital in Ogden, Utah said she sees more pets with health issues around this time of year. 

Howard said there is one main principle dog owners should remember when thinking about winter protection.

“You need to treat your dog like you’re treating yourself.”

Howard said this golden rule of pet care involves a few things.

She recommended putting a coat on your dog when you take them outside for walks.

Then, other than walks, she said pet owners should keep their pets indoors on days with really bad air quality.

Of particular concern, Howard said, is how your pet is breathing.

“If you start noticing that it’s having noisy breathing … That’s when you need to [say], ‘Okay, well maybe it’s a good idea to go inside and just chill out a little bit.'”

She said investing in an air purifier will help pets recover quicker from time spent outside.

If your dog’s breathing doesn’t get any better Howard said a trip to the vet is a good idea.

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