Brrrr—it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the temperature dips.
Keep Pets Indoors- Pets can get frostbite, too! Never leave your pet outside in cold temperatures. On freezing cold days, keep your walks and snow-romps short.
Dress Appropriately- Just because your pet is covered in fur, doesn’t mean that he or she can withstand cold temperatures. A dog’s coat provides some insulation against the cold, but short-haired dogs need a coat or sweater for additional warmth while outside. If salting is used in your neighborhood, make sure to use dog booties to prevent your pet from getting chemicals on the pads of his feet which can lead to burns and possibly poisoning if he licks his feet.
Increase Food Supply- Dogs have to work harder to stay warm when exercising outside. Increasing his food supply, particularly protein, will keep him and his fur in tip-top shape.
Beware of Seasonal Poisons- Coolant and antifreeze can spill in the garage or on the street and are lethal poisons for dogs and cats. A dog’s paws, legs and stomach should be wiped off when coming in out of the rain, sleet, snow or ice.
Offer Warm Sleeping Spot- Providing a warm place to sleep, off of the floor and away from drafts, will keep dogs and cats feeling comfortable during the cold months.
Save a Life by Tapping On Your Hood- Outdoor cats will climb under the hoods of cars for warmth, so be safe and bang loudly on the car’s hood before starting the engine to give any sleeping cats a chance to vacate.