When winter bites, bite back by protecting your pet kids from the weather's harsh elements and unexpected dangers. Here are some common dangers to watch for.
- Cats and dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of anti-freeze. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills.
- Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing. Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures. Pets that get too chilled can develop hypothermia or even frostbite.
- Short-coated dogs should not go outside without a coat or sweater in very cold weather, except to relieve themselves.
- Small dogs with short coats are especially vulnerable to cold, and may not be able to tolerate any outdoor exercise in extremely cold weather.
- Most cats prefer to spend their winter days indoors; be cautious if your cat likes being outside. Don't let her out in bitterly cold weather, and be sure she has a warm place to go if she does spend a lot of time outdoors. Cats that are left outdoors may crawl into a warm car engine to get warm, which can injure or kill them by the fan belt when the vehicle is started. In addition, cats left outdoors can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. It's much safer to keep your cat indoors during the winter regardless of how badly she may want to go out.
- Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops during its walks, he is demonstrating that his feet are uncomfortably cold.
- If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet under warm water or a washcloth to remove the salt as soon as your dog is inside.
- Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing your pet to freeze to death.
- Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
- Make sure your dog or cat has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
- Don’t give your pet cooked bones. They can splinter in the digestive tract. On the other hand, raw bones do not splinter and are a much safer treat if your pet enjoys uncooked bones.
- Chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
- Keep pets away from alcohol. If you are having a party where alcohol is easily accessible, keep your pet in a back room or crate.
- Common winter plants such as mistletoe and holly berries are dangerous if ingested and can lead to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.
by Local Green Circle, December 2009