Watch the temp. It is easy to think that their hair coats will keep them warm in the winter, but in reality, pets get cold outside just as easily as we do. So if your pet is sensitive to cold, keep them inside. The Sacramento SPCA recommends that short-haired dogs, cats and puppies be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; all other pets should come in when temps fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slap the hood. Cats and other critters seek shelter from winter winds wherever they can, sometimes snuggling up to your car's engine to soak up a little warmth. Make it a practice to slap the hood of your car before starting it to give them a chance to wake up and escape.
Keep 'em leashed. Animals can easily lose their smell in winter months, especially when snow covers the ground. So keep your dog on a strap when you're in an unfamiliar area. And make sure his ID tags are up to date as more pets are lost during the winter than during any other season.
Change your antifreeze. Cats and dogs are concerned to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, and will often sample it if they find a puddle on the sidewalk or garage floor. But regular antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is highly toxic to pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using a brand made from propylene glycol in its place.
Wipe em down. Ice-melting chemicals can annoy and burn the pads of your pet's feet and can cause serious illness if swallowed (or licked.) Be sure wipe down her belly, legs, and paws to remove these chemicals if she's spent anytime outdoors.
Break the ice. Sure you may have filled up your pets animals water bowl in the morning, but did it turn in to a block of ice by lunch? Check your pet's water bowl frequently and break the ice if needed to make sure he has access to clean, fresh water.
Slap the hood. Cats and other critters seek shelter from winter winds wherever they can, sometimes snuggling up to your car's engine to soak up a little warmth. Make it a practice to slap the hood of your car before starting it to give them a chance to wake up and escape.
Keep 'em leashed. Animals can easily lose their smell in winter months, especially when snow covers the ground. So keep your dog on a strap when you're in an unfamiliar area. And make sure his ID tags are up to date as more pets are lost during the winter than during any other season.
Change your antifreeze. Cats and dogs are concerned to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, and will often sample it if they find a puddle on the sidewalk or garage floor. But regular antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is highly toxic to pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using a brand made from propylene glycol in its place.
Wipe em down. Ice-melting chemicals can annoy and burn the pads of your pet's feet and can cause serious illness if swallowed (or licked.) Be sure wipe down her belly, legs, and paws to remove these chemicals if she's spent anytime outdoors.
Break the ice. Sure you may have filled up your pets animals water bowl in the morning, but did it turn in to a block of ice by lunch? Check your pet's water bowl frequently and break the ice if needed to make sure he has access to clean, fresh water.
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