winter pets safety tips

Best pets safety tips in winter

Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outsideA dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason yourdog is outdoors much of the day, he or shemust be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches offthe ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.Help neighborhood outdoor catsIf there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy togive them a hand.Give your pets plenty of food and waterPets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.Be careful with cats, wildlife and carsWarm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up underthe hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.Protect paws from saltThe salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towelbefore your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.Avoid antifreeze poisoningAntifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.Read more about pets and antifreeze »Speak out if you see a pet left in the coldIf you encounter a pet left in the cold, politely let the owner know you're concerned. If they don't respond well,document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Thencontact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's officeand present your evidence. Take detailed notesregarding whom you speak with and when.Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.Learn more»Horse owners: provide special care to youroutdoor petsGive your horses shelter and dry warmthBe sure your horses have access to a barn or a three-sided run-in so they can escape the wind and cold.While not all horses will need to be blanketed, blankets will help horses keep warm and dry, especially if there is any rainor snow. If you’ve body-clipped your horses, keep them blanketed throughout the winter.Supply food and water to your horses around the clockGive your horses access to unfrozen waterat all times. You can use heated buckets or water heaters/deicers to make sure the water doesn’t freeze.Feed your horses more forage—unlimited amounts, if possible—during extreme cold.This will help your horses create heat and regulate their body temperatures.