This Months Topic:
WINTER PET TIPS
Keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 40 degrees,
it’s best to keep your pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, elderly pets,
cats and puppies should also be kept indoors as much as possible.
Keep your pet’s coat well groomed. Matted fur won’t properly
protect your pet from the cold.
Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes
sweet to pets, but is poisonous unless you are using a pet friendly
brand. In either case you should contact your veterinarian
immediately if consumed.
Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you keep your dog outside for any
period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lie
down comfortably, but small enough to hold in the dog’s body heat. The
floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with straw
or a blanket. Turn the house to face away from the wind, and cover the
doorway with a waterproof plastic.
Consider the amount of exercise your pet receives during the colder months.
If your pet stays indoors more, it’s probably getting less exercise and may
need less food. However if your pet stays outside often it may need more food
to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.
Slap the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm
outside, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.
Regularly check your pet’s water to ensure its full and fresh. Animals can’t
burn calories without a fresh supply of water and if they can’t burn calories,they
