Winter Woes

Bring your pet indoors when the temperature drops sharply. Short-haired, very young, or old dogs (and cats) should never by left outdoors. Most dogs and cats are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

Keep your pet protected from winds. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. An outdoor dog must be protected by a dry, draft-free dog house that is large enough to allow the animal to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat, with a floor raised a few inches off the ground and covered with sufficient bedding. The house should face away from the wind and ideally have a doorway covered with burlap or a rug.

Feed your outdoor dog more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check water dishes to make certain water is fresh and unfrozen. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to your pets food -- it will help its coat and skin from drying out.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animal, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can burn the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and burns his/her mouth.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but is has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills, and store antifreeze and all household chemicals out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze that is nontoxic and, if swallowed, will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Dry heat can dry out your pet's skin and make him/her itchy and uncomfortable. A small amount of vegetable oil in your pet's food will help keep him/her comfortable.