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In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. The Humane Society of the United States urges pet owners to take extra precautions this winter to ensure the safety of their companion animals.
"Animals rely solely on their human caregivers for safety and comfort — especially during the winter months," said Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for The HSUS. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.
Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
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.
Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.
Winter Dog Coats - Is Your Dog Ready For A Cold Winter?Some dogs do have very thick fur and seem to do fine in cold. Some breeds come from cold climates and therefore have thicker, longer fur. Others come from hot climates and have thinner, shorter fur. Just as the dog breeds from hot and mild climates need some
sort of help to keep them warm, breeds from cold
climates should use some help in hot climates to help them
adapt. There are ways to assure that your dog stays warm in the
winter. 2. If your pet stays outside you can provide a dog house or
shelter area where there will be dry bedding materials and
even heaters.
3. Provide clothing for your pet. This option is actually
growing in popularity.
Whereas once it was
rare to see dogs with sweaters or winter coats, it now seen
more often. Now, if you walk yours with a coat or sweater
you aren't looked upon as some sort of eccentric pet owner.
Just a pet owner who cares about the comfort of their dog.
Plus there are more and more choices available for pet
owners when it comes to pet clothing. Companies who
specialize in just making pet clothing are created every
year. Now, yours can complement you and together you can
make a fashion statement along with keeping your pet warm
and healthy. So, think about your pet and realize that just because a dog
has fur, it doesn't mean they will not get cold and suffer
during the winter. Keep your dog warm.