Winter Pet Care Tips

[Belinda Stevens]

Winter Pet Care Tips

Housing:
It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is
not possible,
outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be
elevated off the ground to
prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out
winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated.
Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen
water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily
available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your
pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold
or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets
should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed
or mattress elevated slightly off the floor.

Roaming cats:
Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the
hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any
animals seeking shelter inside.

Frostbite and snow removal salt:
Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist
towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears
flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further
care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets
and small children as their toxicity varies considerably.

Toxic plants and holiday/winter products:
Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please
consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer
for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for
your pet!

Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue;
styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes
(may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and
chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually
considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the
gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives
varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; styrofoam,
small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel,
can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow
flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and
chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze
deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly
fatal to pets.

[Katie Cole]

Good info Belinda- thanks. I hate to think of any dog being kept outside in the freezing temps we've had lately - even worse, a chained dog! I recently learned of this organization which has a Richmond chapter - http://www.unchaindogs.net

"The Coalition to Unchain Dogs is a non-profit, volunteer effort dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs living outdoors on chains. We have freed over 400 dogs from their chains, but many more are still waiting."

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Dogs Deserve Better is another organization that advocates for chained dogs. Working state by state, they have been successful in getting some laws regarding dog-chaining changed, but it is a slow process.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Dogs-Deserve-Better/105935158728?ref=nf

Thanks for the post on Unchained Dogs.

These poor babies need as many good humans working on their behalf as they can get.