WINTERIZE YOUR DOG: KEEPING YOUR DOG SAFE DURING THE DOG DAYS OF WINTER

I love the winter and I’m really a rough and tumble kind of a pooch(cavalier king charles spaniel) – I seem to tolerate extreme cold – but I’m very well supervised click on the video  to see how much fun I have.

We were in the big city and this is the first time I ran into salt on the sidewalks.  I had to be carried everywhere.  Before going to a movie maw and paw were running  around looking for winter boots for me.  They found them at a “doggie boutique” which is unheard of where we live.   Getting me to wear them was another story.  They ended up throwing dog biscuits on our familyroom rug and I finally got the hang of it.  The good news is that we left them in the “big city” and use my winter boots for extreme conditions.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR DOG

HUMANE SOCIETY VIDEO

 WINTERIZE YOUR PET VIDEO  

FROM THE  HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES KEEP YOUR PET SAFE DURING THE COLDER MONTHS

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.

Don’t leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet’s life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors.
If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Probably the best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.
Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family