BBRRRR… it’s getting cold out! But then it is mid-December. I thought a few tips for protecting your pets from cold, snow and ice might be appropriate.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has some great tips at the AVMA website and HSUS for protecting your pets. Of course the obvious is to protect from the cold air if they are not used to it, but how about checking your warm car to make sure no animal is inside where the motor is warm?
If your pets spend a lot of time outside, and have a heavy enough coat to protect them, you still need to make sure:
- they have access to fresh,unfrozen water in a plastic or dish – no stuck tongues on cold metal! If necessary, use a heater made for water bowls to prevent freezing.
- have shelter from wind and rain/snow, preferably off the ground, and not too large – their body heat must warm up the area
- have bedding to act as insulation to curl up in
- don’t leave your pet out in extremely cold or prolonged cold weather
- Make sure there is no access to any antifreeze dripping from a vehicle – it is an extreme poison causing kidney failure
- keep pets away from De-icing materials, and wipe their paws if they walk in any
For other pets who just make a quick trip outside:
- Put a sweater on your dog if he/she will tolerate it
- watch for the deicer avoid whenever possible, then wipe paws when returning inside
- watch for parking spots that may have that green antifreeze on the ground. Antifreeze tastes sweet and many animals will just lap it up. Don’t let your dog get near it.
- make sure you pet has an Identification tag or is microchipped. If they get away during a storm, they may become disoriented and not find their way home right away.
Lastly, look out for the animals who may not have a home. we put out wooden boxes for some feral cats to use to get out of the weather, and leave out some food and water for them as well. I make sure the bird feeders are filled,and put out suet & peanut butter for the woodpeckers. Birds are another column…..
