When the weather forecasters predict a winter blast they always remind us of the three P’s – Pipes, Plants, and Pets.  Don’t be fooled by their fur coat, your pets are still bothered just as much as you are when the temperature drops. Here are a few guidelines to help protect your pets when the weather gets rough.

Keep them inside – When pets are allowed to wander during winter, they run into certain dangers. They can become lost or stolen, injured, killed or freeze. Stray pets are exposed to infectious diseases, like rabies, from other pets and wildlife.

Check under the hood – In the cold weather, outdoor cats sometimes find warmth under the hoods of cars. Cats can become injured or killed by the fan belt or fan blade when the motor is started, so bang loudly on the hood of your car before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Poison puddles –Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. If there are any spills from your vehicle, be sure to thoroughly clean them up.

The leash is law – Dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost during snowstorms. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make certain that your pup is properly identified either by microchip, ID tag or some other form of identification.

Wipe off winter – When your pets come in from the sleet, snow or ice, thoroughly wipe off their legs and stomach. When they lick their paws or bite an itch, they can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals. Their paw pads may also bleed from encrusted snow, salt, or ice.

Saved by scruff – Don’t shave your pets down to the skin in the winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth, but if you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail over the belly to keep them comfortable in the cold.

Home is where the heat is – It is vitally important that your pet has a warm place to sleep during the cold months. A cozy bed with a thick blanket or pillow is perfect. Try to keep them off the floor and away from drafts. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, be sure to increase their food supply, especially protein, to keep them in shape – from the inside out.

The cold weather is going to affect pets differently depending on their age, breed and any illness they may be fighting. Exposure to winter’s cold air, freezing rain, sleet and snow can be especially dangerous for our pets. Taking extra precautions will help prevent winter hazards from affecting your furry loved ones, and it will help keep you from paying the high price of an unexpected veterinary visit.

-- Dr. Bill Craig --