Keeping Pets Safe During Winter

Like us humans, dogs (and cats) do suffer from the cold weather, you can keep your pet safe with some simple steps.

Some breeds are use to handle the cold because the thick fur, but others, especially teacup, small breeds and short hair dogs do not handle cold so good.  Even if you do not like to dress your dog, it would be good solution to have a coat or sweater for the daily walk to keep pooch warm.

Booties protect the paws from the salt used on roads, that can irritate the skin. They also keep your house clean from the outside mud.

Antifreeze is extremely toxic for all pets, and even small amount can kill your pet. The main problem with the antifreeze is that it has sweet taste that dogs love.  Keep it in close place, be careful not to spill while using it. Pet that come in contact with the antifreeze should visit the vet immediately.

Try keeping your dog (and cat)  inside. If he has an outside house, it needs to be heated to keep the dog warm and preventing his water from freezing.  Heated bed and heated food and water bowls can help. But the best is if you can bring your dog inside during the winter season.

In areas where ponds freeze, do not let Fido run by himself on that area. The danger of ice breaking and the dog fall into the freezing water can cause hypothermia or even kill him.

When pets stays home alone, or during the night, keep the heat on a comfortable temperature for the pets.

If you’re bringing inside your plants before the first freeze, be sure the plants are not toxic for your dog or cat.

Don’t leave cat or dog unsupervised when the fireplace working.

Cats (and other small pets) are vulnerable to the cold as dogs are and even more. You can find heated beds for dogs and cats to keep them warm and prevent cold or even hypothermia.

Think about your pet in the same terms you think about humans and you all survive the cold winter days healthy and happy.