You don’t even have to brave the weather outside anymore to know it’s wicked cold! We have all seen enough pictures of dashboard temperature gauges on social media to know that it is COLD outside!
While we’re busy adding on the layers and hoping it’s acceptable to wear fuzzy slippers outside, it is very important to keep our furry little friends in mind as well during these record-low temperatures! Even though they have a coat of fur that we don’t have (most of us, anyway), they still need an escape from the freezing cold weather!
A list of useful tips for pet owners include the following:
1. Keep your cat indoors. Outdoors, felines run the risk of freezing.
2. In the winter, outdoor felines often find warmth under the hoods of vehicles. Sadly when the car is started, the cat can be injured or even killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the hood of your car before starting the engine to give cats a chance to run.
3. Don’t let your dog off the leash on ice or snow, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily get lost. More dogs are lost during the winter season than during any other season, so make sure your dog always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly clean off your dog’s stomach and legs when he comes in out of the snow, ice or sleet. They can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws.
5. Make sure your animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm pillow or blanket is perfect.
6. Don’t ever leave your cat or dog alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator during the winter, holding in the cold and causing the pet to freeze to death.
7. Young puppies don’t handle the cold 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 decide to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to breed type, age or illness, take him outside only to relieve himself.
8. Does your animal spend a lot of time engaged in outside activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep them, and his coat, in the best possible shape.
You take care of your pets while Paul Davis takes care of your home!
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