Pet Sense (Archives)
Winter can be a very strenuous time for dogs and cats, especially those that live outdoors. There are a number of things you can do to help your pets avoid health problems during the cold months of the year.
Be sure your pet has a warm place out of the elements to get warm. Provide outdoor dogs or cats with a dry, insulated pet house or shelter. Place thick bedding or straw in the shelter.
Dogs and cats with thin fur will be more comfortable with clothing on when outside. Clothing doesn’t just have to be a sweater, but boots/booties are good to be worn too. Otherwise, be aware of frostbite! Be sure to remove ice and snow from your pet’s paws and coat as soon as they come inside.
Make sure your pets’ water supply doesn’t freeze- water is essential for them even in cold weather.
Cold weather makes it necessary for your pets to burn extra calories to keep their body temperature up, so feed your pet accordingly when temperatures drop. Don’t use the winter weather as an excuse to feed your pets a lot of junk food.
Avoid the probability of digestive upsets from too many holiday treats. Chocolate and bones are common sources of problems.
Cats and kittens often nap on car engines when the outside temperatures drop, so be cautious about this. Before starting your car, honk the horn, bang on the hood, or check under the hood for sleepy cats. Remember, even if your cat is not outdoors, be aware of your neighbor’s cat or a stray that may take comfort in the warmth of your car engine.
Antifreeze is not only toxic, but very tasty to dogs and cats. Keep all containers covered tightly and clean up all spills immediately.
Seasonal hazards are numerous. Electrical cords to Christmas decorations are often intriguing to pets and invite exploratory chewing. Tree ornaments can be dangerous if swallowed or knocked to the floor and broken. Spray-on snow and other chemicals can be dangerous to pets. Ribbon, thread, and string are all very likely to cause intestinal blockage if ingested- keep them out of your pet’s reach.
While there are many things to keep in mind during the months of cold weather; just remember, if you have any questions or concerns…you can always call All Creatures to help you through any situation.
