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Protect your Pet from Winter’s Chill

Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, noses and feet if left outside. Bring them indoors when the temperature falls below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Young animals do not tolerate the cold as well as adults. Take them out only when necessary.

If your dog must remain outside, provide an elevated house with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. Line doghouses with hay or straw to hold in body heat. The door should face away from the West or North to avoid cold winds. Consider installing a "doggie" door so they can seek protection from cold weather in your garage.

Check several times each day to make sure water bowls are not frozen and that your pet has access to fresh drinking water. Avoid using metal bowls.

Chemicals used to melt snow on driveways and sidewalks can irritate and burn a pet’s paws. Put petroleum jelly or cooking spray on your pet’s paws before an outing to protect them from these de-icing materials. Boots can also be purchased.

Wipe your pet’s feet and underside when it comes back inside. This will prevent frostbite from snow and ice between the pads of the feet. Ice-melting chemicals can cause serious injury if ingested while licking paws. (Use pet-friendly ice-melting products!)

Feed an outdoor animal more and an indoor animal less. An outdoor animal needs more calories to produce body heat while an indoor animal gets less exercise during winter months.

Before starting your car, open the hood or slap it loudly to make sure a heat-seeking cat has not crawled into your engine or under your car.

Make sure your pet has current identification tags and always use a leash. When walking on snow or ice, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.

Never leave your pet in a parked car. It can quickly become a freezer causing hypothermia and possibly death.

Use pet-friendly antifreeze. Regular antifreeze, specifically ethylene glycol, is among the most dangerous household products for pets. This toxic poison has a sweet taste that is appealing to dogs and cats alike. Have plenty of fresh water available for your pet, so it won’t look elsewhere for another source of refreshment. Clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Keep antifreeze containers out of pet’s reach. It takes only ½ teaspoon per pound for a dog to be in danger, less for a cat. Kidney failure is the primary medical concern, but it can also cause heart and lung failure and neurological problems. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning are depression, loss of coordination, vomiting and seizures. If you suspect your animal has ingested antifreeze you should call your veterinarian immediately. Every minute counts!