For dogs, cats and any other small animals you have in your home, be sure that their beds or bedding is kept away from drafts. Interior walls make the most sense since they are less likely to have drafts, but have a seat where you think the best place might be. Sometimes drafts that are closest to the floor are not noticeable when you’re standing.
Food and Grooming
If your dog loves outdoor activities, even in the winter, the ASPCA recommends increasing his food intake, especially protein. This will keep the dog and his coat in great shape. If your dog is getting less exercise during the winter months, he may need a little less food since he is not burning as many calories.
It’s important to keep your pet’s coat well-groomed. If your pet’s fur is matted it cannot protect him properly from the cold weather. You should never shave your pet’s fur down to the skin in the cold months; keeping it long will keep him warmer. If you have a short-haired breed, see if he will tolerate a coat or sweater, being sure it covers him from the base of the tail to his stomach.
Every time your dog comes in from outside you should wipe his feet, legs and stomach with a damp towel. This helps get rid of any ice-melting chemicals or other dangerous fluids he may have stepped in while outside. If your dog will tolerate them, you might also try some of the new dog booties that are flooding the market; these will also protect the pads from coming in contact with anything harmful.
In and Around Your Vehicle
Outdoor cats and other animals love to crawl under hoods where they can keep warm and take a nap. When the unsuspecting driver starts the motor, the cat can easily be injured or killed. It’s a good idea to bang loudly on the hood to give any animal a chance to escape before it’s too late.
It may seem that your car is a cozy place to leave an animal in the colder temperatures, but the truth is that a car can act like a refrigerator and hold in the cold. Dogs, cats and other animals can freeze to death if they are left in a car alone.
Check regularly for antifreeze leaks or spills that might be in your garage or on the driveway. Antifreeze is sweet tasting to animals and is poisonous if swallowed. If you see any leaks or spills, clean them up right away. If you think your pet may have ingested even the tiniest bit of the lethal fluid, contact your vet immediately.
Kathleen Strelow - Certain she was born in the wrong era, Kathleen is passionate about preserving our country’s history and is a member of the National ...
