Winter Tips for Pets
~The Humane Review
December 2005 Volume 4, Number 4
- Animals, like humans, are
susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so limit their outdoor
exposure when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Indoor accommodations are best
during cold weather; but, if your pets must be outside, make sure they
have a draft-free shelter large enough to stand and turn around in,
yet small enough to retain body heat. use a layer of straw or a
blanket for extra insulation, and make sure it stays dry.
- Tender pads can be injured by
salts and other ice-melting chemicals, as well as cause
gastrointestinal upset when animals lick their paws clean. Each
time your pet comes in from outside, make sure to wipe all four of its
paws thoroughly.
- Cats often seek warmth by
crawling under car engines, where they can be seriously injured or
killed when the engine is started. Before starting your car,
bang on the hood to startle any animal sleeping there.
- Pets are not able to get enough
water from licking snow or ice, so provide clean water as often as
necessary to keep it from freezing. Heated bowls are wonderful
for preventing water from freezing.
- Antifreeze is deadly for pets
and kids! Its sweet taste makes it a toxic "treat" to animals or
unsupervised children. Look for "safe" non-toxic antifreeze and
make sure all spills are cleaned up thoroughly. Contact a
medical professional immediately if you suspect any antifreeze may
have been ingested.
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