Now that the weather is getting colder and colder, there are several things you need to keep in mind when in comes to your pets. First of all, it is important to keep your pets warm. If possible, allow them to come indoors, especially at night when temperatures are the lowest. If you have an outdoor pet, make sure they have an enclosed shelter with bedding where they can go to stay warm, stay out of any rain or snow and be protected from wind. If there is an unusually frigid night, consider bringing your outdoor pets in for the night or boarding them for a night at the clinic. If you have a short-haired pet such as a chihuahua or miniature pinscher, consider getting them a sweater to help trap body heat and keep them warmer.
Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of fresh water, and make sure their water supply does not freeze. Make sure you adjust your pet's diet if needed. Some pets may need more food during the winter due to the extra energy needed to keep them warm outside, while other pets may need less food during the winter due to being less active in the winter.
Cats often like to take a warm nap under the hood of a car during the winter time. But they can be injured or killed by the fan belt when the car is started. To prevent this, bang on the hood of your car or honk your horn and then wait a few seconds before starting the engine. This is especially important in an area where there is a lot of outdoor cats.
Antifreeze is used more often in the winter, but it is very lethal to dogs and cats. Unfortunately many animals are attracted to its sweet taste. Make sure to clean up any spills and to keep anti-freeze away from any animals. You can also look for animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Hopefully you and your furry friends can have a warm and safe winter.
