Repair & Improve

Winter Pet Care

Keep Furry Friends Warm and Safe

As the temperature outside starts to dip, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reminds you to think about your pet's safety and recommends the following guidelines to protect your companion animals:

• Keep your cats inside. Outdoor cats can freeze to death. They may sleep under the hoods of cars where it is warmer. Before starting your car, bang on the hood and wait a few seconds to give the cat a chance to escape.
• Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs, paws and stomach when they come in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Salt can irritate paws and antifreeze or other chemicals could be toxic if ingested.
• If you have a shorthaired breed, consider providing a coat or sweater. Look for one that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during the cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.
• If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase their supply of food, particularly protein, to keep their fur thick and healthy.
• Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from drafts and off the floor. You should consider a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

Visit www.ASPCA.org for more information.

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