As
the colder weather approaches, we humans prepare for the changes. We
plan holiday activities. Like planning for yourself and your family,
don’t forget the needs of the four-legged family member. The winter
months not only include the promises of festive activities but also can
place our canine and feline family members health in jeopardy.
Here
are some suggestions on making the holidays fun yet safe for your family
pets.
Limit
the snacks you might want to save for your companion
pet from the Thanksgiving table. Be sure to check carefully for any bone
fragments in all foods.
Remember
that many holiday plants (poinsettias for example) are toxic to you,
your children and your pets.
Keep
dangling cords, ribbons and string away from your pet’s reach.
winter
weather often creates the need for special planning and preparation for
all family members, pets included
Check
your pet’s outside water regularly in harsh, cold weather to make sure
it doesn’t freeze.
Use
a ceramic or safe-plastic water bowl outside. Remember that an
animal’s tongue might freeze to a metal bowl.
Ice
melting chemicals and salts are not only irritants to your pet’s feet
but possibly toxic as well. Wipe your pet’s feet after an outside
stroll to prevent ingestion of toxins. Coolant (anti freeze) overflow from radiators
is also toxic but attractive to animals. Be sure your pet does not drink
from coolant puddles.
Cats
sometimes seek shelter from the cold by napping near the warmth of a car
engine.
Depending
on the weather, limit your companion’s outside activities. Pet
extremities, such as feet, ears, tail and nose are vulnerable to
frostbite. If this occurs, seek medical help as soon as possible.
Dress
your companion in a sweater, jacket or booties as needed.
Dogs
confined to doghouses should be visited regularly. Make sure the
doghouse has been draft-proofed and that snow does not impede the
entryway. Use straw as bedding; blankets may hold moisture and freeze.
Ideally, all pets should be brought inside when temperatures drop.
Use
an all natural skin and coat supplement to address dry and flaky skin.
Fireplaces
and space heaters are great to warm up a room, but they also can spell
trouble for companion animals. Most pets will try to get close to a heat
source and may accidentally get burned or even tip a space heater over.
Cats
and other small animals will often climb inside a parked car, near the
engine because it is a warm refuge. Before you start your car, bang on
the hood or honk your horn to scare any animals away and avoid a
horrible accident.
Here’s
one final word of advice for all pet parents with senior and arthritic
dogs and cats. The cold weather is particularly hard on these animals.
Their joints may be a little more tender than usual and their
mobility may decrease due to stiffness. Supervision when climbing stairs
or walking on the ice outside is necessary to avoid slip and fall
accidents. A ramp will make it easier to get in and out of the house.
And, of course, a comfortable pet bed really goes a long way for these
animals.