Please keep in mind that animals need protection from the cold just as we do.
Here are some helpful tips ~~
Check outside doghouses for drafts and leaks.
Line the doghouses with straw and make sure the entrance faces away from the wind.
Feed outdoor pets twice as much food as usual and use a heated water bowl.
Bring in outdoor pets when the temperature is 0 degrees or below and keep indoor/ outdoor pets contained inside the house if there is a wind-chill or snow advisory.
If your pet has been overly exposed to the harsh cold, check the ears, feet and tail for signs of frostbite. If you notice any swelling or blackening of these areas, bring your pet in for immediate treatment.
Be careful when you start your car. Cats will crawl onto a warm engine, so beep your horn or bang on the hood before starting your engine.
Wipe pets' feet if they have been walking on sidewalks or roads that may have had salt or chemicals used to de-ice them.
Keep antifreeze cleaned up at all times. Animals (and children) will drink antifreeze, which is lethal.
When the temperature is below freezing dogs should only be taken out to relieve themselves. Small dogs or dogs that do not have long hair should have jackets and sweaters to protect them from the cold.
It is OK to walk dogs in the cold weather, walks should be shortened depending on the temperature.
Pets that have long hair should not be clipped short in the winter because their hair helps to protect them from the cold. Be sure to keep long hair dry and knot-free.
It is also a good idea to keep the hair between the toes short to prevent ice accumulation.
Antifreeze ~This is the #1 toxic substance that we must be careful about during winter.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) smells and tastes sweet to dogs and cats.
Did you know that all it takes is one teaspoon to kill a cat and four teaspoons to kill a dog that weighs less than 10 pounds.
Antifreeze is deadly because it causes rapid kidney failure.
To avoid ingestion of this toxic substance, make sure that all antifreeze is stored out of pets' reach and any spills are cleaned up.
If you think that your pet may have ingested antifreeze, you must contact your veterinarian immediately. While there is a treatment for antifreeze toxicity, it must be administered by a veterinarian within hours of ingestion for it to be effective.
Rat Bait is another winter danger. People tend to use more rat and mouse baits during the winter months because these rodents seek warmth in our homes.
The bait is an anticoagulant that can cause fatal bleeding problems in pets. The bleeding is internal and may not be noticed right away.
If you think that your pet ingested rat bait, notify your veterinarian.
There are blood tests that can diagnose clotting problems and treatment can be administered.
Salt is hard to avoid in the winter months. It will cause problems with your pet. It can cause irritation to the mouth and paws and, if ingested, can cause drooling, stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances.
When salt cannot be avoided, it is a good idea to protect your pets' feet with boots made especially for dogs.
Safe Paw is an ice melter that is not salt and is safe for pets and children.
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