Advice For The Colder Winter Months

 Winter and the busy holiday season can pose special risks for pets. Help your pet to weather the winter and stay healthy and safe by following these simple tips:

 Housing:  Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours is an indoor pet, his bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet must be kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas) to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, you might block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.

 Frostbite: Remove ice and snow from your pets paws and coat at once. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he/she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.

 Snow Removal Salt:  Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Antifreeze: Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a very small amount can kill them. Precautions are necessary with all antifreeze products on the market. Read labels and warnings carefully. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

 Napping Cats: Cars sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn, then wait a few minutes before starting your car.  Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.

 Food:  Staying  warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.

 Water:  Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently since it may freeze.