Tips for Colder Weather - Part One

It's that time of year when the weather starts to get colder, the snow may be starting to fall, and our animals need us to make sure they are safe.  Here is the first part of a series of posts with some tips for the colder weather that seems to have already arrived!

1.  Dogs and cats belong indoors with the family, in my opinion.  This is true all year, but especially during colder weather.  Although they have fur coats, most dogs and cats are not able to keep themselves at a comfortable and safe temperature when left out in the elements.  If it's too cold out for you to be comfortable outside without a big coat, don't leave your pets outside!

2.  Pets need more calories in the winter to ward off the cold.  Increase your pet's food ration accordingly, especially if your pet engages in a lot of outdoor activities.

3.  Pets also need access to fresh and unfrozen water, which can be a challenge this time of year.  Check your pet's water dish twice a day to make sure that the water isn't frozen.  And if you must have your pets outside (which I don't recommend), a heated water dish is a must.

4.  If there is deep snow (and deep is defined by your dog's size), consider shoveling out a potty area for your dog to use.  Think of how awful it would be to have to potty in the snow up to your...ahem...potty parts.  :)

5.  Antifreeze is a chemical that tastes sweet to animals, so be sure that there are no puddles or drops of it around your driveway or garage.  They are likely to ingest it, and this can be fatal.

6.  The salt and other chemicals that are used on our roads can be dangerous to pets.  At the very least, they can irritate the pads of their feet;  at worst, they can lick it off, which can cause digestive upset (or even worse).

7.  Cats and wildlife often will take refuge in and around warm engines.  If you keep your vehicle outside, make sure you bang on the hood before starting it, to make sure there are no animals trying to keep warm inside.

8.  Puppies are particularly vulnerable to the cold, and they might not be able to relieve themselves outdoors in the winter.  Make sure your pups (or kittens) are only outside with you, so you can monitor how they are coping with the cold and the weather conditions.  And if your pup doesn't tolerate the cold or the weather conditions, consider potty training indoors until spring.

9.  Remember that tile and uncarpeted areas can get quite cold, as can basements.  Help your pet out by providing a warm place to sleep -- blankets and beds are very cozy.  Also make sure that they are out of the way of drafts.

10.  If your dog has to spend time outside, make sure he or she has proper shelter from the weather and the cold.  You can do this by getting a dog house that is big enough to stand up in, and that allows the dog to stretch out and turn around.  You want the house to be the proper size so that the body heat of the dog will be retained in the structure, so don't get one that is too oversized.  Dog houses should have a wind flap on the door and non-porous bedding such as straw to help them keep warm.  But remember that dogs are social animals and are much happier in the house with the family!

I will post some further tips for the season in a couple of days.  Yes, really, I will!  Keep your pets safe this winter, and remember that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets.