| The time has changed and the leaves have fallen off | | | | find. This includes gutter water which can contain |
| the trees. It is the time of year to get ready for | | | | antifreeze, oil, or other household hazardous waste. |
| winter. In a large part of the country snow will be on | | | | 5. If your dog needs to be kept outdoors for any |
| ground soon and the temperatures will get below | | | | length of time make sure they have a nice warm |
| freezing. Your dog and cat know it is winter. They | | | | shelter. A nice sturdy doghouse would be a good |
| get their winter coat and react to the shorter | | | | idea. Make sure they have a nice warm dog bed and |
| daylight the same as us. Some dog owners leave | | | | fresh unfrozen water. That is very important. Your |
| their pet out for exteneded periods of time thinking | | | | dog can get dehydrated in the winter. Please check |
| that animals are adapted to living outdoors. That is | | | | his water bowl before going off to work or shopping. |
| not the case with domesticated pets. They are used | | | | If you put a wrapped hot water bottle in their |
| to living indoors just as much as we are. I would like | | | | shelter it will keep it cozy. |
| to give you a few pointers for winter pet care. | | | | 6.Rock salt and deicer can very hard on your dogs |
| 1. A good idea for winter care for your pet would be | | | | pads. When they come in the house make sure that |
| to take them to your veternarian before winter | | | | you wipe off their pads with a warm cloth. This is |
| really sets in. Make sure your pet is in good health. | | | | important as they may try and lick their paws and |
| Older dogs, like older humans, tend to get sick more | | | | they may become very ill. |
| easily in the winter. If your pet have arthritis or | | | | 7. Be particularly gentle with older or elderly dogs. |
| diabetes or heart problems make sure he gets a | | | | Their arthritis can get worse in the winter. Stay close |
| good check up. | | | | with them when they are going down stairs as they |
| 2. If it is cold outside make sure you watch your dog | | | | may slip and fall. They may be a bit more awkward |
| and cat carefully. A good idea would be to stay | | | | and uneasy when they are outside. In the winter |
| outside with them. When you get cold then chances | | | | they may need help getting up on their favorite |
| are your dog is cold too. That would be a good sign | | | | couch or chair. Make sure they have a nice cozy bed. |
| to take him back inside. | | | | A heated dog bed would be a great idea. You may |
| 3. Watch for hazards in the winter. If you live near | | | | have trouble getting them out of bed in the morning. |
| ponds or lakes keep your dog away from the ice. | | | | 8.If you have a cat that goes outside be careful with |
| You never know what the thickness of the ice is. If | | | | starting your vehicle as cats like to curl up in warm |
| your dog would happen to fall in he would have a | | | | engines. A good thing to do is bang on the hood of |
| hard time getting out. I would say if are near water | | | | your vehicle so any cats hidden there will jump out. If |
| stay outside with him. If you live near woods or a | | | | a cat is on your engine and you start it, the cat will |
| forest the snow can cover up hazards the dog can't | | | | be injured or killed. |
| see, like sticks or rocks or trash. | | | | 9.A good idea if you can get your dog to let you do |
| 4. Keep an eye out for antifreeze. Dogs like the smell | | | | this put a warm little sweater on them. Little paws |
| and will drink it if they find some. Antifree is | | | | booties will also help keep their little paws warm. |
| extremely poisonous and will kill your dog. If you | | | | Take good care of your pet this winter and they will |
| need to change your antifreeze make sure your | | | | be there to keep you company for many winters to |
| clean up any spills. Dogs that don't have access to | | | | come. |
| clean unfrozen water will drink whatever they can | | | | |