Ok- Winter doesn’t officially arrive until next week but let’s face it, the temps and the icy conditions are reminding us winter is here. This past Friday was so windy and cold……brrrrr…….At least we can wear heavy coats and come indoors and stay warm.
Imagine all of those animals who are stuck out in this cold weather. Here are some precautions we can take to ensure our pets well taken care of this winter season.
PLEASE keep your pets indoors during these cold months. That is the number one solution you can do to help your pet. If your dog is kept outside (ugh), you must make sure your dog has adequate shelter with a door of some kind to keep out the wind, rain, sleet and snow. The dog house should be elevated to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the house. The dog house should also be insulated or heated. You can use straw, blankets etc. Your pet will also require more calories in the colder weather to keep warm. Also make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water every day. Water freezes in bowls kept outside during the cold winter months.
As I said the best solution is to keep your pet indoors. Why do you want a dog if you’re going to keep him/her attached to a dog house anyway?
Keep antifreeze out of your pet’s reach. Pets are drawn to antifreeze due to the sweet taste but it is deadly!! Clean up any and all spills.
If your pet is shaved down or is a short-hair breed, think about getting a sweater/coat to protect him from the cold. This isn’t about a fashion statement but your pet’s welfare.
If your pet has been walking around on salt-covered pavements, make sure to wipe off his/her feet before your pet ends up licking it off his/her feet.
According to Alley Cat Allies, you can help feral cats through the wintertime by providing specially-built shelters and feeding sites. Even though these are not necessary for their survival according to Alley Cat Allies,” they do guarantee a warm spot to escape the winter weather and deter from where they are not wanted”.
If you have a cat that is not feral, PLEASE consider keeping your cat indoors where he/she will be safe not only from the weather but from other animals. This is how the proliferation of cats begins and too many cats are dying in shelters everyday throughout the nation.
Most of all, use common sense when it comes to wintertime and pets. If you mind the cold, so does your pet!!
If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.