No one wants an icicle for a pet – they’re simply not that cuddly. If your pet spends most of the time in the backyard, please change your routine and keep them indoors during the freezing months.
Bare Naked Truth
If you must keep your pet outdoors, consider this: your pet’s fur coat isn’t enough protection for your pet during winter. Be a pal and provide your dog with a warm, dry, and draft free shelter outside. SCRAPS has free dog houses available. They also accept gently used dog houses.
No More Frozen Dinners
Because it takes more energy to stay warm when it’s cold, outdoor animals eat more during the winter. Likewise, fresh, running water is vital for maintaining your pet’s health. Keep an eye on the water bowls and make sure they haven’t turned into little skating rinks. Heated dog dishes are available at many pet stores.
Latest Fad Diet
Indoor animals have different dietary needs. They conserve energy by sleeping more in the winter. Dogs and cats also exercise much less when they do go outside, so you may need to adjust the amount of food accordingly. No one wants an overweight pet.
Be Careful with Cars
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
Safety and Salt
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
Avoid Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Bone Chilling
No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. Be sure to check not only the temperature outside, but the wind chill as well. The wind can lower the temperature 10, even 20 degrees, causing serious problems for your pets.
Season for Serious Concern
Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision during low temperatures. NEVER! Let your pet out to go to the bathroom and then let them inside immediately.
Sweater Weather
Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. The SCRAPS Bow Wow Meow Market has lots of affordable sweaters and coats to keep your dog in style and comfortable.
Winter Wellness
Has your pet had their preventative care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get them checked out to make sure they are as ready and healthy as possible for cold weather.
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, December 2016
