How to Take Care of Pets in Winter

It’s getting cold outside and we take cautionary measures to ensure our warmth. Why not do the same for your pets? Here are some steps to make sure your pet is taken care of in the winter.

– Some dog breeds (like greyhounds) can’t handle the cold weather better than others. Puppies, elderly and sick dogs are more susceptible to the cold. Short-haired dogs might benefit from a jacket for their outdoor excursions.

– Wipe your dog’s feet and belly after walks to remove any ice melt or antifreeze, which is poisonous to dogs and cats, that they might have picked up outside. Check your dog’s feet for cuts and scratches from the ice.

– Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor, such as a cozy bed or blanket. If you must leave your dog outside, try creating a cozy spot in the garage or provide him with a dog house that is large enough for him to sit and turn around in but small enough to hold in his body heat. It should be raised off the ground with lots of straw or cedar shavings.

– Make sure your pet has fresh, clean, “unfrozen” water to drink and plenty of food to provide the extra calories they might need to stay warm.

– Cats will often seek the warmth of a car engine and crawl up inside the car. Be sure to bang on your car’s hood before leaving to give them a chance to escape.

– Dogs can become disoriented in the snow and ice, losing their ability to smell and find their way home, so keep them on a leash in snowy conditions and make sure your dog is wearing his ID tags.