The winter months can pose a number of expected and
unexpected health threats to pets, ranging from frigid temperatures to
seemingly harmless salt scattered on sidewalks. Pet owners should be aware of basic steps they
can take to ensure their pets' well-being.
"Just as we wear clothes and eat differently when the
seasons change, pets' grooming and nutritional needs also vary in the winter. By
taking some basic precautions and paying attention to the needs of their
four-legged friends, responsible pet owners can help their cats or dogs make it
through the winter in good health."
The following tips to keep pets warm and healthy during the
winter:
Give your pet more food during cold weather than you do
during hot months. Dogs, for example, may need up to 25 % more energy in the
winter than they do in the summer, especially those that exercise outdoors.
Scat cat - Before
starting your car on cold days, honk the horn to scare away any cat that may be
hiding in the warm engine compartment.
A Fatal attraction: When refilling your car's radiator, be
sure to clean up any spilled antifreeze. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste to
both dogs and cats, and is highly toxic.
Dry cleaning: Don't neglect pet grooming in the winter.
While a regular bath is unwise unless you have a good dryer, combing and even
"dry" bathing will keep your pet's coat clean and healthy, and reduce
odor. To give your pet a dry bath, brush corn starch or baby powder into your
cat or dog's coat, and then thoroughly brush it out.
The big chill: Don't leave your pet outside for long periods
of time. Low body temperature (hypothermia) can quickly result, and can lead to
death. If the wind chill index is below 20 degrees, do not take small house
pets, older dogs and cats, or short-haired dogs outside. If you must take your
pet out in cold weather, dress it in a knit sweater, which will give it an
added layer of protection.
Some Cold feet: After
bringing your pet indoors, check its feet to make sure ice has not formed
between its toes. If it has, carefully clean the pet's feet and pads with warm
water and a cloth. In addition, if you use salt to melt ice on your driveway or
sidewalk, clean your pet's feet after every trip outside.
There is water, water, everywhere: If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure it
always has a fresh supply of water, and check frequently to be sure the water
hasn't frozen.
The open door policy: Increased numbers of visitors during
the holiday season may provide an opportunity for your pet to slip out the door
unnoticed. Keep an eye on your cat or dog when guests arrive and depart, and be
sure your pet has proper identification in case it does get out.
Just like people, pets are an important part of our daily
lives, keeping them safe is keeping us all safe too - Bird
