Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Winter Pet Care Tips

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during the long winter months! 

Housing:
Provide proper shelter for your pets.  If yours is an indoor pet, make sure a bed or crate is kept in a warm, draft-free area.  If your pet is outdoors, you must provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter.  The house should be elevated enough that moisture cannot accumulate inside.  Provide a "door" to keep out the wind.  If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pets inside.


Food and Water:
Staying warm requires extra calories.  Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.  Clean, fresh water should always be available to your pet.  If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check the water frequently since it can freeze quickly. 

Frostbite:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat.  Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.

Snow Removal Salt:
Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have a low to moderate toxicity to pets.  Read the labels and take necessary precautions.  Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove any salt from your pet's paws immediately.


Anitfreeze:
A very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal to a pet.  Thoroughly clean up spills at once.  Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

Napping Cats:
Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth.  Before starting your car, knock on the hood and honk the horn.  Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat may have taken shelter there.






Sources:
Purina http://www.purina.com/
ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx
 http://www.beirut.com/l/18978




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