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Protect Your Pet From The Weather

01/06/2010

Winter is here. There is a nip in the air and snow on the ground. Here are a few tips to keep your animals safe throughout the cold winter months. Your best bet is to keep your pets inside with you. But if you have outdoor dogs or cats they need adequate shelter from the elements. They need enough room to stand up and turn around but not so much that they can't retain their body heat. The floor should be raised off the ground a couple of inches with hay or straw as a bed. A blanket can become wet and frozen making the pet even colder. Outdoor animals need more calories in the winter to help produce more body heat while indoor pets need less to avoid gaining weight during the less active winter months. Beware of antifreeze. The sweet taste attracts animals and even a little bit can be lethal. Rinse off garage floors with water if some has been spilled. Bring outdoor animals into your garage or basement when the temperature drops dangerously low. Make sure to keep all chemicals out of the pets reach. Be sure to check drinking water often to make sure it hasn't frozen. Wipe off your pets feet when they go out to the bathroom. Chemicals used to melt ice can irritate paws. You can put vaseline on their pads before going out to protect them and then remove it upon reentering the home. Neighborhood cats often seek shelter and warmth under the hood of cars. Always blow your horn, bang on or check under the hood before starting your car to avoid injuring or killing a cat. Do you own a short-haired breed? You may want to consider getting a warm jacket or sweater for them to wear. Never leave your dog unattended in the car. The car can become like a refrigerator and your pet could freeze to death. Don't shave your dog's fur down to the skin in winter. They need their fur for insulation and always make sure they are completely dry after a bath.

2010 Shelter Statistics: