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Winter Tips for Your Pet

A dry, elevated dog house should be provided for dogs when they are outdoors. Make sure your pet sleeps away from drafts in an appropriate pet bed. The house should be small enough to be warm from the dog’s body heat, but large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. The structure should be insulated and should face away from prevailing winds to help protect against the cold.

When the temperature drops below 20°F to 40°F, it’s best to keep dogs and cats indoors, especially shorthaired dogs and puppies.

Unless your dog is an active hunting dog, he or she is probably getting less exercise and may need less food. However, if your pet is outside in cold winter months, he or she may need more food to produce more body heat.

Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it is not frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Ice and snow does not provide enough liquid for an animal.

In cold weather cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire. Be aware that someone else’s pet may be in your vehicle before starting your car.

Continue to have your pet groomed during the winter. Matted hair doesn’t protect your pet from the cold.

Antifreeze attracts pets because they like the sweet taste. Antifreeze is highly poisonous and very dangerous if consumed. Since Ethylene Glycol (antifreeze) is a similar chemical to Ethyl Alcohol (liquor) it can cause animals to act like they are drunk. That wears off quickly; all the while crystals have been forming in your pet’s kidneys. This will damage the kidneys and once damaged the kidneys do not regenerate. If you see or suspect that your pet has consumed antifreeze it is a true medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Three days later when your pet is showing signs of renal failure because the kidneys are destroyed it is too late to for effective treatment. 

When adding antifreeze, clean up any spills. Check your car for seepage and be sure to keep this substance out of your pet’s reach. Antifreeze and coolants that are essentially non-toxic are also available at many auto supply stores.

Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet’s feet. Do not allow your pet to lick its feet after its walked outdoors. The chemicals may burn their mouth and cause serious problems if ingested. When your pet comes in from the cold, use a damp towel to wipe off its feet and underside.

Remove snow piled high next to your fence. It can provide a boost for your dog to jump over and become lost. Make sure your dog and your cat always wear I.D. tags with your current address and phone number.

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