Winterizing Your Pet

Although we don't experience harsh winter weather like most of the country, it does get cold enough for pet guardians to be aware of what they should do to winterize their pets. Ideally, when the temperature drops, dogs and cats should be brought inside. If it's too cold, wet or windy for you to be outdoors, its probably too cold for your pet, too.

Shelter

Animals who spend a lot of time outside during the winter need to be provided with dry, warm shelter from the cold, damp weather. There are a number of well constructed, well insulated houses on the market. The proper size house will allow your dog to keep warm with her/his own body heat. The door should be big enough to slip through, and the inside should allow the dog just enough room to stand up, turn around and curl up to one side of the opening. The house should be built 2-3" off the ground, with the door sheltered from the wind.

The dog house should be kept dry inside; newspaper, hay, and cedar chips make good bedding materials. Keep an eye out for fleas; they can thrive during winter in bedding warmed by your dog's body.

If you're interested in building a dog house, Valley Oak has several simple, do-it-yourself plans available at no cost.

Special Needs

Older pets are more affected by cold weather, so if you have one who is used to spending part of the time outdoors, you should bring her/him inside during the winter. If you adopt a new pet during the winter and must keep her/him outdoors, try to avoid sudden exposure to prolonged periods of cold. This is especially important with a young puppy or kitten. It's best to slowly introduce your pet to cold weather over a period of several weeks to allow her/his body time to adjust to the change.

Feeding

Keeping warm burns calories, so pets who are outdoors a lot in the winter may need more food for extra energy. Cold food may cause diarrhea or vomiting; room temperature is best. Indoor animals who get less exercise during the cold months may need less food to avoid gaining weight. Some animals might tend to drink less water during winter months. However, they still need plenty of cool, fresh water available.

Grooming

Animals with long hair should be brushed frequently to prevent moisture from collecting under the coat and to keep the skin from becoming dry. If you discover that your pet is cold and wet, immediately rub the animal briskly with a dry towel.

Antifreeze Alert

A serious problem for pets in the danger of antifreeze poisoning. Old antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is often drained from the radiator into the gutter, or worse yet, accessible containers. The green fluid, which smells and tastes sweet, is deadly toxic to animals and children alike. Just a teaspoon or two lapped up by your pet may be lethal. So be sure to properly dispose of all antifreeze. Symptoms of poisoning include staggering, dizziness, vomiting, lethargy and kidney failure. If you suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, check with your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and extensive treatment are needed if the pet is to survive.

Look for a new propylene glycol-based coolant, essentially nontoxic to animals and the environment. Chief Auto Parts stores sell it under the name SAFE. Or ask your local auto store or service station to order it from Omni Co. by phoning 1-800-844-EC03.

Engine Danger to Cats

If your car's motor is purring and you haven't started your engine, you may want to check under the hood. Many cats seek refuge from the cold by resting in the warm engine compartment of a car. Extreme injuries can result from the cat becoming entangled in belts, pulleys, or fans when the car is started.