Protect Your Pet Against The Cold
Feb 9, 2013 15:11:54 GMT -5
Post by schwartzie on Feb 9, 2013 15:11:54 GMT -5
Protect Your Pet Against The Cold
When the frosty temperatures of winter come calling, it's time to think about how you're going to protect your beloved pets from the cold. Whether it's a warm bed or protection from hazardous elements, keeping your pets safe is a big responsibility that requires a bit of thought and planning.
Provide a Safe Haven
Indoor pets should be provided an area that is draft-free, dry and warm. Make sure your dog or cat has a place they can nestle into when the temperatures drop. Dress your dog in a warm sweater or allow your pets to snuggle up with a blanket if your home is particularly cold in the winter.
Even if your furry friend is an outside pet, you'll need to provide a safe place where he or she can take shelter from the cold. A draft-free structure, raised up a few inches off the ground will give your pet a comfortable place to snuggle up and keep warm - away from snow, ice, pooling water or cold breezes. Include a heap of straw or blanket material they can burrow into. Never leave your pets outside for extended periods of time, especially when the temperature dips below freezing.
Food and Water
Sometimes we forget just how cold it can get outside. When the mercury plunges below the freezing mark, you'll need to guard food and water sources. If you feed wet food outdoors, it's possible for the rations to freeze; same goes for water. Food and water bowls should be made from plastic, rather than metal and checked frequently to make sure the animal has access to unfrozen, edible provisions and fresh water - day and night.
Environmental Dangers
Extreme weather brings additional environmental dangers we don't normally think about during the rest of the year. For instance, a cold cat may seek shelter under a warm car or even climb into the engine compartment to keep warm. Before getting in your car, bang on the hood to prod them into leaving and after you start your car, move out slowly to give them a chance to escape without getting trapped or harmed under your vehicle.
Walking Precautions
Just because your dog has a natural coat doesn't mean it's immune to the cold. Some breeds, like Greyhounds, Dobermans or toy dogs, are more susceptible to the cold than others. A doggy coat that may seem like a fashion statement to others may actually keep them from harm in the winter cold.
Also remember that many towns and homeowners use salts and chemicals to melt snow on driveways, walkways and roads. I keep an old towel in my mudroom and wet it to wipe my dog's paws when we come in from a walk. Then I know his feet won't become irritated and he is less likely to ingest harmful agents if they lick their feet later.
The bottom line is to remember that your pets depend on you to keep them safe - even in the cold weather. So, it's important to know basic winter care tips before the big chill arrives.
www.petcentric.com/Knowledge/Articles/Protect-Your-Pet-Against-The-Cold.aspx?articleid=22c4b2fd-e8b4-4ae8-857e-602f66f90f1b
When the frosty temperatures of winter come calling, it's time to think about how you're going to protect your beloved pets from the cold. Whether it's a warm bed or protection from hazardous elements, keeping your pets safe is a big responsibility that requires a bit of thought and planning.
Provide a Safe Haven
Indoor pets should be provided an area that is draft-free, dry and warm. Make sure your dog or cat has a place they can nestle into when the temperatures drop. Dress your dog in a warm sweater or allow your pets to snuggle up with a blanket if your home is particularly cold in the winter.
Even if your furry friend is an outside pet, you'll need to provide a safe place where he or she can take shelter from the cold. A draft-free structure, raised up a few inches off the ground will give your pet a comfortable place to snuggle up and keep warm - away from snow, ice, pooling water or cold breezes. Include a heap of straw or blanket material they can burrow into. Never leave your pets outside for extended periods of time, especially when the temperature dips below freezing.
Food and Water
Sometimes we forget just how cold it can get outside. When the mercury plunges below the freezing mark, you'll need to guard food and water sources. If you feed wet food outdoors, it's possible for the rations to freeze; same goes for water. Food and water bowls should be made from plastic, rather than metal and checked frequently to make sure the animal has access to unfrozen, edible provisions and fresh water - day and night.
Environmental Dangers
Extreme weather brings additional environmental dangers we don't normally think about during the rest of the year. For instance, a cold cat may seek shelter under a warm car or even climb into the engine compartment to keep warm. Before getting in your car, bang on the hood to prod them into leaving and after you start your car, move out slowly to give them a chance to escape without getting trapped or harmed under your vehicle.
Walking Precautions
Just because your dog has a natural coat doesn't mean it's immune to the cold. Some breeds, like Greyhounds, Dobermans or toy dogs, are more susceptible to the cold than others. A doggy coat that may seem like a fashion statement to others may actually keep them from harm in the winter cold.
Also remember that many towns and homeowners use salts and chemicals to melt snow on driveways, walkways and roads. I keep an old towel in my mudroom and wet it to wipe my dog's paws when we come in from a walk. Then I know his feet won't become irritated and he is less likely to ingest harmful agents if they lick their feet later.
The bottom line is to remember that your pets depend on you to keep them safe - even in the cold weather. So, it's important to know basic winter care tips before the big chill arrives.
www.petcentric.com/Knowledge/Articles/Protect-Your-Pet-Against-The-Cold.aspx?articleid=22c4b2fd-e8b4-4ae8-857e-602f66f90f1b