Keep Your Cats Inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, or be injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies.
During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
Never let your dog off the leash on show or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost. They may panic in a snowstorm and run way. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season.
Thoroughly wipe off and towel dry your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the rain, show, or ice. Check his sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals could hurt your dog if he ingests it while licking his paws.
If you own a short-haired breed of dog, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that covers your dog from the base of her tail on top and to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather (or during hot weather). A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death. If the car is left running, your pet could die from breathing in carbon monoxide. Also, pets are often stolen from unattended vehicles.
If your dog is sensitive to the cold because of age, illness, or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature and limit time outdoors. Companion animals are easily susceptible to frostbite.
If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy. Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a letal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clena up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisoning, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products that contain ethylene glycol. Call your Veterinarian if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing because of dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure she is completely dry before you take her outside for a walk.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog or cat. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
Like people, animals seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Do make sure to take your pet to a veterinarian if you see suspicious symptoms. Do not use over-the-counter medications on your pet without consulting your veterinarian.
©2006-2007 The Humane Society, Inc. All rights reserved.