doggone cold
Easy ways to prepare your pet for winter weather.
Bundle Up
Even a natural fur coat can't fully ward off the chill. Always provide a warm, dry place for your pet to sleep that's off the ground and away from drafts. A pet bed with an extra blanket will do the trick. Outside, animals with short hair should wear a coat when temperatures drop, advises Camille DeClementi, VMD, senior director and veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA. It should cover your pet from the neck to the base of the tail.
Protect the Paws
Low humidity, salted road and freezing temperatures can cause dry, cracked paws. DeClementi suggests rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly on your pet's paw pads to prevent additional irritation. "It's like putting lotion on your hands," she says. Boots are another great option, as long as they fit snugly. You can even find disposable rubber or latex ones for animals that balk at heavier shoes.
Finders Keepers
Pets are more likely to get lost in the winter, since excess snow masks smells that help them determine their surroundings. In addition to outfitting your dog or cat with an ID tag, consider having him micro-chipped. The small, permanent implant helps shelters identify a lost animal and its owners. Unlike collars, a chip can never fall off or go missing. The quick procedure generally costs around $50 at the vet's office.
Tell-Tale Sign
It can be tricky to know whether a pet is cold, so keep a close eye on her when she plays outside, says DeClementi. Shivering and decreased activity are both signs of freezing. Redness on the extremities, such as the ears, means she's been outside to long.
Icy Dangers
Antifreeze is poisonous to pets. DeClementi recommends this easy cleanup tric: Pour cat litter over any spills to soak up the liquid, then sweep up and dispose of it. Ice-melting products can also irritate animals' skin, or upset their stomach if ingested. Choose a pet-safe variety for outdoor walkways, and always wipe down your pet's paws and belly after walks to remove any chemicals or ice on his fur.
Article by Abby Kass, Family Home Circle, February 2016
