Winter

YES! – If it is cold enough for you to wonder weather or not to move your pet inside for the night, the answer is yes! 

•   Anytime the temperature outside falls below freezing, it is safest to move them inside.  Don’t take them into the warmest part of the house though.  If you have a cool basement, pantry, or garage, that would be best. 

•   Any major temperature fluctuations can have an impact on a pet’s immune system, so keep temperatures as stable as possible when moving a pet in or out.

*Antifreeze Alert*:  This is the time of year that many people flush the radiators of their car in anticipation of the cold winter to come.  Please remember that even a very small amount of antifreeze can be deadly to your pet.  Once it is ingested, the effects are almost always fatal.  Because antifreeze has a sweet taste, your dog or cat will be tempted to lap it up.  Make sure that if you do change your antifreeze, dispose of it in the proper way immediately.  Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them. Check your garage or driveway for any drips, spots or spills, and always keep your pet properly restrained in your yard or home.

Cats are very sensitive to the cold.

•   Many outdoor cats will curl up under the hood of a warm car to beat the cold so quickly bang of the hood of your car prior to starting the engine.  Fan belts cause many injuries to cats and are pretty common this time of year!

Outdoor Dogs must have access to a properly insulated doghouse, an unfrozen water source and an increase in food intake during cold weather.

•   The doghouse should be large enough for the dog to get up and turn around but not so large that its body heat cannot warm the structure.  An old blanket or straw will make it more comfortable as long as it does not become wet.

•   Heated water bowls are commercially available which are obviously superior to metal bowls in cold temperatures.

•   When an animal needs to burn fat to keep warm, it is important to increase the amount of feed by ¼ to 1/3 depending on size and fur thickness.

•   Regularly check the soles of your dog’s feet if the snow hits.  Ice can build up between the soles and become quite painful.

Indoor Dogs need special care during the winter also. 

•   Small, clipped or short hair dogs will benefit from a warm doggie sweater or coat.  Ensure that they cover the kidney area.

Continue your pet's heartworm preventative and flea control! – Even though the temperature is dropping, don’t forget about your pet’s parasite prevention!

•   Mosquitoes, which carry heartworm disease, can still fly during warm spells, and fleas will be active outdoors until the first few good hard freezes.