Winter is a tough time for us all, but it can be especially hard on
pets. Here are a few tips for protecting your pets this
winter:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible during cold weather. Like
humans, animals can get frostbite.If a dog stays outside for the winter, it is important to
provide an insulated home. Line the floor with cedar shavings or
straw to ensure warmth. Check water often to make sure it has not
frozen. If your dog begins to shiver when you’re out for a walk, bring
it inside immediately. Trim the long hair on the bottom of pets’ feet to prevent ice
balls from forming. Road salt and other de-icing chemicals are damaging to pets’
paws, and can be hazardous if ingested; wash your pets’ paws after
being outdoors. Use sand or a nontoxic alternative to salt when
dealing with icy sidewalks. Antifreeze is a poison, yet its sweet taste unfortunately
attracts curious animals. Always clean any spills thoroughly. Or
try a safer alternative, such as antifreeze made with propylene
glycol. Cats and wildlife seek shelter from warmth by crawling into
available covered spaces, including vehicles. Banging on the hood
of your car before starting the engine should scare out any
stowaways. Our smaller friends, such as birds, hamsters and guinea pigs,
can be chilled if their cages are kept in drafty areas. Keep cages
away from doors and windows in winter.
provide an insulated home. Line the floor with cedar shavings or
straw to ensure warmth. Check water often to make sure it has not
frozen.
it inside immediately.
balls from forming.
paws, and can be hazardous if ingested; wash your pets’ paws after
being outdoors. Use sand or a nontoxic alternative to salt when
dealing with icy sidewalks.
attracts curious animals. Always clean any spills thoroughly. Or
try a safer alternative, such as antifreeze made with propylene
glycol.
available covered spaces, including vehicles. Banging on the hood
of your car before starting the engine should scare out any
stowaways.
can be chilled if their cages are kept in drafty areas. Keep cages
away from doors and windows in winter.