1. Antifreeze and Rock Salt are Poisonous to Pets: Make sure you keep these and other harmful chemicals out of your pet’s reach or path. You may want to look into finding more eco- and pet-friendly products.
2. Pets Should Not be Left in the Car: Most people know not to leave their pets in the car in the summer, but the same goes for winter. A car interior can get as cold as an ice box and a pet will easily freeze if left inside with no heat, and, likewise, needs ventilation.
3. A Parked Car Can be a Warm Retreat for Feral and Stray Cats: They sometimes hide underneath, in your wheel well (Theodore used to love doing this…), under the hood and close to the warm engine. Be sure the coast is clear and you check for kitties before starting your car, especially if you’re parked in an area where you know there are strays or feral colonies.
4. Be Sure to Wipe Your Dog’s Feet and Underbelly After Winter Walks: Rock salt, ice, snow packs, and more can get caught in pads, between toes, etc. Most of the time your dog will stop and hold his paw lame if something is stuck, but don’t forget to wipe him down when you get home or else he’ll have cold paws and a frozen belly!! Also, if he steps in salt, the chemicals can stick to pads and when he licks them he’ll accidentally ingest i.
5. ALL PETS NEED TO BE INSIDE IN THE WINTER: NO EXCUSES on this one. NEVER leave your pet outside in the cold, even in a doghouse. When the temperature drops, particularly at night, your pet can freeze to death – NO exaggeration. Even if he loves snow and being outside, it’s wholly dangerous to leave him unattended, even if he has blankets in his house. If you notice a pet being locked outside in the winter, be sure you report it to your local animal control facility.
Other Tips:
-Keep an eye on your pet’s water dish to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
-Short-coated dogs are especially vulnerable to the cold and shouldn’t be outside unattended or for too long.
-Keep your pet groomed. Believe it or not, knotted or matted hair doesn’t insulate properly. Brush your dog’s hair regularly in the wintertime especially.
-Adjust your pet’s diet as necessary. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need more calories in the winter to produce body heat. If your dog spends most of his time indoors and has a decrease in activity, he may require fewer calories. When in doubt, always ask your vet about seasonal diet changes.
** If, despite these precautions your pet suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him up in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns. **
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