We don’t even have to brave the weather outside anymore to know it’s freezing! We have all seen enough dashboard temperature gauge pictures on social media to know that it is COLD outside!
While we’re busy adding layers and hoping it’s acceptable to wear fuzzy house slippers in public, it is extremely important to keep our beloved pets in mind as well while we experience these record-low temperatures! Although they have a layer of fur that we don’t have (most of us, anyway), they still need an escape from the freezing cold weather!
Some useful tips for pet owners during the winter include the following:
1. Allow your cats to join you inside. Outside, felines can freeze.
2. In the winter, outdoor cats have been known to find warmth under the hoods of vehicles. Sadly when the engine is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, tap loudly on the hood of your car before you start the engine to give cats the time to run.
3. Do not let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily get lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure your canine always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly clean off your dog’s stomach and legs when he comes in out of the ice, sleet or snow. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws.
5. Be sure that your companion has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A comfy dog or cat bed with a warm pillow or blanket is perfect.
6. Don’t leave your pet alone in the car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and can cause the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies don’t handle the cold temperatures as well as adult dogs, making it difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy seems to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him/her outside only to relieve himself.
8. Does your furry friend spend a lot of time engaged in activities outside? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep them, and his fur, in tip-top shape.
You take care of your pets while Paul Davis takes care of your home!
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