- Always provide
fresh, clean water for your pet. If the weather is cold, please check
their faces for ice formation and remove the ice.
- Indoor pets should
be provided with a warm, dry area free from drafts. Provide bedding
off cold floors, and wash bedding weekly if possible (the fleas will
hate you).
- Outdoor pets should
have dry shelter out of the wind. Bring cats and dogs into the house
if the weather conditions are rainy, snowy or weather conditions are
severe (cold, etc.).
- Staying warm requires
extra calories, pets may need more food or a change in diet. Talk to
your veterinarian about your pets needs.
- Ice, snow and
mud - Remove ice, salt, mud, snow from your pet's coat and feet
as soon as possible. If your pet's skin looks reddish, white or gray
in cold weather, or is scaly or peeling, suspect frostbite. If the weather
has been really cold, talk to a veterinarian immediately.
- Shedding
- Most dogs and cats shed their summer coats in the fall before putting
on their winter coat. Most years this is light and not very noticeable.
Special attention should be paid to hair coats and daily or weekly brushing
(as needed) should help your pet and you be happier.
- Cats and kittens
like to nap on warm places, this can include car engines! Knock on the
hood of your car or truck, or honk the horn, then wait a few minutes
before starting the engine. If in doubt, open the hood and look.
- Antifreeze smells
good and tastes very sweet. Very small amounts can kill your pet. If
a cat walks through it and then licks its paws, it will get enough.
The damage is done, but chemicals crystallizing in the kidney, so symptoms
may not show up for a few days and then it may be too late. Thoroughly
clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and
store where pets and children can't get to them. Sierra makes a good
non toxic antifreeze. Do not dispose of antifreeze by pouring into the
gutter and never let your pet drink from the gutters.
- Poisonous plants
- Many plants, including Christmas rose, holly, mistletoe, philodendron,
dieffenbachia (see poisonous plant list) are toxic to your pet. Keep
them out of your pets reach.
- Holiday paraphernalia
- Electric cords, tinsel, glass ornaments, candles, spray-on snow (some
are nontoxic, read the label), ribbons, plastic or foil wrapping, etc.
can be dangerous to your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never
let your pet chew on them. Do not tie ribbons around your pet's necks
or limbs. Watch out for rubber bands too.
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