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Don't forget that winter can be hard on your pet. Below are just a few tips to help your pet have a happy, safe, comfortable winter:
During cold, wet weather, keep pets inside or limit the time that pets stay outside.
Keep your pet warm, dry, and away from drafts.
Make sure your pets have blankets or pads on cold floors
Provide outdoor pets with a dry, warm, secure shelter out of the wind -- such as a garage or insulated pet house. Even dogs that normally spend most of their time outside need good shelter in cold weather, even if it is only a garage.
Gently towel or bellow your dog or cat if he or she gets wet from rain or snow.
Be alert to frostbit, which can be a winter hazard. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has frostbit. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white, or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.
It is important to dry and clean paws -- this helps to avoid tine cuts an cracked pads.
Groom your pets. Pets need well-groomed coats to keep them properly insulated.
Cats and kittens often nap on warm car engines and hoods. If your car was recently used, knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.
Pets like the smell of antifreeze but even a small amount can kill them. Clean up spills at once, and store securely away from pets.
Always have fresh, clean water available for pets. This is as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Your dog or cat is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer.
Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
Outdoor pets should have heated water bowls so the water doesn't freeze.
Feed your pets additional food if they spend a lot of time outdoors or if your dog is a working dog.
Help your elderly or arthritic pets when they need to go outside.
Consider a sweater for short-coated breeds such as greyhounds and Chihuahuas before taking them outside. Also realize that sweaters can get wet and actually remove heat from an animal's body.
Do NOT leave your pet alone in a car. It gets too cold and carbon monoxide from a running engine is dangerous.
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Member Since 1983
