In the cold winter months, there are a few things that we can do for our pets to keep them safe.
- Adequate Housing - If your pets have to stay outside, provide an insulated house that is elevated off the ground. There should be a flap over the entrance to retain the heat within the house and keep out drafts. You should line the house with straw, hay, or extra blankets for warmth. Make sure the entrance of the house is sheltered to avoid cold winds. Most importantly, do not get an oversized house. Your pet's body heat warms the inside of the house, so if the house is too big, it can't be warmed efficiently.
- Diet - Pets that spend most of their time outside use more calories to stay warm. It is important to increase the amount that you feed them to compensate for this. But do the opposite for pets that live indoors. Decrease the amount of food they get because they probably don't exercise as much in the winter months.
- Water bowls - Animals must have access to fresh water at all times. Bowls left outside are likely to freeze. Avoid using metal bowls outside because your pet's tongue can actually get stuck to the metal, which can be painful. Use plastic or ceramic bowls. In extreme temperatures, certain plastics and ceramic can crack, so monitor them closely.
- Frostbite - It is important to bring outdoor dogs and cats inside when the temperature dips below -7 degrees Centigrade. At these low temperatures, animals left outside can get frostbite on their ears, feet, and noses. Very young and elderly animals should be treated with extra care because they are even more susceptible to the effects of low temperatures.
- Paw Care - Wipe or wash your pet's feet after a walk to remove any irritating salt and ice-melting chemicals. A thorough cleaning will also prevent your pet from licking the salt or chemicals off their feet, which can cause an upset stomach. If there is snow or ice between the pads, place the paws in lukewarm water to melt it. Do not pull the snow or ice off the coat because it will be painful to your pet.
- Identification - As always, make sure that your dog or cat or cat has a collar with identification on it. It is also good to get your pet microchipped because this is a permanent form of identification implanted under the skin. If you pet is microchipped, check to make sure that your contact details are correct.
- Antifreeze - Antifreeze is sweet tasting and deadly to dogs and cats. If you use antifreeze, be very careful to clean up any spills immediately. Do not allow your pets to lick driveways or roadways in case there is antifreeze on them. If your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately because this is a true emergency.
- Cars - Vehicles can be dangerous in two different ways:
- Cats - Frequently, cats like to crawl under the bonnet (or hood) of the car to get warm from the heat of the engine. Before you start your car, beep your horn or make of lot of noise to scare cats out. Cats can get severely injured and your car can get damaged if they don't exit before you start your car.
- Hypothermia - Pets left in cars in the winter can suffer from hypothermia. Take them indoors with you.
- Fireplaces and stoves - Put protective screens around fireplaces and stoves to prevent your pet from getting burned.
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