Protect Your Pets From the Cold
PETS & ANIMALS IN DISTRESS WINTER ADVISORY ALERT!
DEC 23, 2004 - PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM THE COLD
WINTER WEATHER PET SAFETY TIPS
If temperatures are dropping and snow is in the forecast in your neck
of the woods, Pets & Animals in Distress recommends the following
safety tips to keep your animal companions safe and sound during the
winter season:
Never let your dog off leash in snow or ice, especially during a
snowstorm. Canines may lose their scent in winter weather, and can
easily become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during this
time of the year than any other season, so make sure yours always
wears proper identification.
Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, far away
from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket
or pillow are especially cozy.
Please keep cats inside! Felines who spend time outside can freeze,
or become lost or injured. And some outdoor cats seek the warmth
under the hoods of cars-so if there are any such kitties in your
neighborhood, remember to bang loudly on the hood and wait a few
seconds before starting your vehicle.
Wipe off your dog's legs and belly when she comes in out of the
elements. This will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful
chemicals that could hurt your dog should she ingest them when
licking her paws.
Puppies can't handle the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be more
difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain
your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.
Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with
a high collar or turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the
tail on top to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a
luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car
can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The
animal can freeze to death. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due
to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve
himself.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be
difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain
your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.
If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities,
increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur
thick and healthy.
Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be
sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and
consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than
ethylene glycol.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat
longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him
before taking him out for a walk.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep away from
all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed with a warm
blanket or pillow in it.
Please remember to think of our special best friends this winter
season and to keep them warm.
Sincerely,
Brenda Beck, President
Pets & Animals in Distress
"Your Best Friends Helping Our Best Friends"
http://en.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=16727135&u=152309
Pets & Animals in Distress
1511 east Commercial Blvd
PMB #129
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334
United States
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec. 24, 2004