Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

As the weather turns colder, and we begin to bundle up for winter, it is important to keep in mind the little ones on our families that will need some extra attention. Below are some winter pet tips to make sure your furry family members are just as warm and cozy as you are.

1. Do not allow your animals unsupervised access to the outside after dark. If you have dogs, accompany them outside at night to do their business, but do not let them hang out there too long. If you have outdoor cats, watch that they are in the house before it gets dark, or if the weather is too cold during the day, keep them inside.

2. Sometimes outdoor cats will seek the warm solace of a parked car engine. If you have outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang on you car hood to make sure there are no cats sleeping inside before you start your engine.

3. Always have your pet’s collar and ID on them. If you live where it snows, it can be harder for your animal to find the familiar scents they are use to and it may cause them to not be able to make their way back home. According to the ASPCA, “more dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season” based on this factor.

4. After being outside or on walks, make sure to thoroughly clean your pet so the salt or other chemicals in the snow do not get ingested by the animal. Also be aware of your animal’s paws while walking in snow. Get a set of snow shoes for them so they do not get frost bite.

5. Be aware of their coats. Giving your dog a shave in January is not a good idea! If your dog’s coat is lacking in warmth or length, or you own a small dog or cat with little body fat, invest in a pet sweater or coat to give them extra protection.

6. As in the summer, do not leave your dog in the car. Extreme weather outside, leads to extreme weather inside a vehicle. Your pet would rather wait for you at home while being warm rather than enjoy a car ride that leaves ‘um shivering.

7. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of animals!! Antifreeze is poison to your pets, and many of them are very attracted to the taste. Make sure to clean up any spills or leaks coming from your vehicle immediately. For more information, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

8. Make sure your pets have warm places to sleep and are out of the way of drafts. Pet beds, blankets or a warm human to cuddle with are great ways for your pets to sleep at night.

Source: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_coldweathertips