Cold Weather and Winter Holiday Tips - All About Dogs and Cats

Pet Health

Cold Weather/ Holiday Tips

Winter can be hard on your cat and dog.

Here are some ways to keep your pet safe during those cold months and during the
holiday season:

Keep all antifreeze away from pets. It has a sweet taste, is very palatable and does
not take very much to kill your pet. Clean up any spills as soon as possible. If you think
your pet has ingested any, seek medical attention immediately. It is important to
start treatment within the first few hours to try to reduce the damage to the kidneys.
Untreated animals usually die from kidney failure.

The salt used to melt ice and snow can cause irritation to pet footpads/skin
and to their gastrointestinal tract if ingested. You can protect your pet by putting
baby oil, cooking spray or dog booties on their feet. Make sure to thoroughly wash off
the feet and body if your pet does come into contact with the rock salt.

Consider a jacket for short-coated dogs when outside.

Dog houses should not be too big, because heat is not conserved in a house too large
for the dog. The dog should be able to get up and turn around comfortably, with the
ceiling just high enough to clear the dog's head. The dog house should have airtight
walls, and it's best if the door faces south or west. Instead of using blankets that hold
moisture and mat down, use clean straw or hay. It's also good to have a flap over the
door to keep out wind and precipitation.

Allow your dog or cat to acclimate to the weather if it hasn't been out much. Bring in
pets if possible in subfreezing conditions and harsh winds. Check on your pet at least
once or twice a day.

Always make sure your pet has fresh, clean water. For your outdoors canine, check
the water regularly to make sure it's not frozen.

A pet needs more food if he or she stays outside in the winter, because they need more
calorie intake to produce extra body heat. On the other hand, indoor dogs should
generally be fed less during the winter.

Don't give your pet holiday food -- alcoholic beverages, candy, chocolate, turkey and
dressing, pork, fish, bones -- as all can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis. Chocolate
can be a poison. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability,
nervousness, vomiting and diarrhea and can result in death. Dark chocolate and baking
chocolate are the most dangerous.

Have a "safe" place for your pet when company is over for the holidays. Some animals
get very nervous or distressed with a house full of guests.

Holiday paraphernalia -- pine needles, ornaments, yarn, tinsel, ribbons, etc. -- can be
harmful to pets if ingested. Keep them out of a pet's reach.

Cats and kittens like the warmth of car engines. Slap the hood of your car and honk your
horn before starting your car in the morning if you own a cat or there are any cats in the
neighborhood.

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