Protecting Your Cats and Dogs in Winter

By Elyse Grau
In the summer we worry about keeping our pets cool, come winter and it's time to think about keeping them warm and dry. Here are some simple ways you can protect your pets this winter.

The easiest, safest way to keep your pets warm is to keep them indoors, especially overnight. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should never be kept outside. All cats should remain indoors.

Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Some dogs can take cold better than others, such as Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. Short -haired and toy dogs will have a particularly hard time in the cold.

Snow and ice can pose problems for dogs. Snow can get packed between dog's toes and freeze, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid this problem, keep the hair between the toes cut short.

Keeping nails cut short also helps. Shorter nails allow for better traction. If a dog is slipping on ice it tends to splay the toes, which causes more snow to pack between them.

If you are walking your dog on sidewalks or streets that have been salted to melt ice, be sure to wash his paws when you return. The salt can be drying and irritating to the paws.

If a dog must be kept outside during the day, be sure to provide proper shelter. An oversized dog house or shed will not retain enough heat. The house should be just large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.

Do not use blankets for bedding. These will just get wet and freeze. Clean straw or hay is preferable.

Position the house on the south or east side of the house if possible, out of the wind. Raising it up off the ground helps, too.

Remember that the dog's water may freeze if left outside. Putting the water in a deep container helps keep it from freezing. Also plastic is a better choice in this case, as metal conducts the cold quicker. Dark colored dishes will absorb more heat than lighter ones, slowing the freezing action. Be sure to break up any ice on the surface of the water each morning.

Are you aware of the dangers of antifreeze? Ethylene glycol based antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs! Be sure to keep containers tightly capped and out of reach. Wipe up any spills immediately. For the safest bet, use one of the alternative products made with propylene glycol instead.

Outdoor cats will look for warm spots to curl up. Some cats have learned that cars and trucks offer nice warm nooks. They will crawl up into the wheel-wells or engine compartments. Banging on the hood before you get in your car is a good idea in case you have a stowaway.

Indoors, pets will often curl up next to heaters or under wood stoves. Watch out for tails and fur getting too close to heating elements! Make sure your cat does not overheat.

Some extra vigilance may be needed if you will have a Christmas tree. Anchoring the tree to the wall is a good precaution. Tinsel can be dangerous to pets if ingested, so either don't use it, or place it well out of reach of cats and dogs. Start hanging decorations a few feet from the bottom of the tree.

If you have a puppy, don't leave gifts unattended under the tree. Don't use string or dangling ribbons on packages if you have a cat. Cover the base of the tree to keep animals from drinking the water.

There is debate over the toxicity of Poinsettias. Even if they are not deadly, the sap is an irritant and will probably make the animal sick. Holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous; so keep them out of reach of pets.

By Bev Storer
The winter cold can be tough on pets. It can even be deadly at times. Protecting your companion pets from the hazards of the cold weather should be on your mind as soon as the temperature drops.

The majority of our beloved pets live indoors and they are accustomed to a warm environment. So it is IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER that indoor pets cannot adjust to the harsh cold just because they are animals and have a fur coat. If it is too cold for you outside, then it is probably too cold for your best furry friend.

If your pet is accustomed to being outside during the day, they need to be properly protected.

For dogs, a dry dog house with a raised floor and some thick bedding made of straw or blankets will help keep them as comfortable and safe as possible. Always, check the water bowl to make sure it's not frozen. The same is true for your little kitty friends. Make sure they too are protected from the chilling wind and freezing temperatures.

Pets should not stay outside for an unlimited amount of time if it is very cold. Young, old and sick animals are particularly vulnerable to the cold and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for any length of time.

Please consult with your Veterinarian if you have any questions. In the meantime, here are some simple guidelines.

Indoor Tips

Fireplaces and space heaters are great to warm up a room, but they also can spell trouble for pets. Most pets (especially cats) will try to get as close to a heat source as they can; and, they may accidentally get burned. Worse yet, they may even tip a space heater over which could cause a house fire. So keep an eye on your dog or cat so everyone stays safe and warm.

Pet beds for both dogs and cats are great places to snuggle and keep warm. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and price ranges. Cats love the winter sun, so why not clear a spot near a window for your cat to bask tranquilly during the day. Again, remember to make sure that you do not place their bed too close to any heat source.

Outdoor Tips

Antifreeze is deadly and if enough is ingested it can cause kidney failure. It is a brutal fact that this toxic substance has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Even a small amount can be extremely hazardous to your dog or cat. Learn to clean up spills in the driveway and store containers out of the reach of your pets.

In many areas of the United States, salt or salt compounds are used to melt snow and ice on roadways. Salt can be harmful to the pads of your pet's feet. Learn to wipe off their paws with a damp towel after playing outside.

Cats and other small animals often climb into the engine area of a parked car to keep warm. Before you start your car, bang on the hood or honk your horn to scare any animals away. This will help avoid a terrible accident.

Fit your dog with a sweater or heavy tee shirt before taking a walk. This is an inexpensive way to protect your dog from the cold and it works for all sizes of dogs.

Freezing cold temperatures tend to constrict the bronchi of the lungs so it is important to keep their chest area warm.

Here's some advice for all pet parents with senior and arthritic dogs and cats. The cold weather is particularly hard on your senior furry friends. The cold weather may cause their joints to become a little more tender than usual and their mobility may decrease due to soreness and stiffness. Supervision when climbing stairs or walking on the ice outside is necessary to avoid slip and fall accidents. A ramp will make it easier to get in and out of the house. And, of course, a comfortable pet bed really goes a long way for these animals.

Hopefully these tips will help you and your best furry friend enjoy a wonderful and safe winter season.