Winter can be a tough time for pets -- especially outdoor pets. Here are some tips to keep them safe and comfortable during cold weather.
If you keep a dish of water outside for your outdoor pet during winter, make sure the water doesn't freeze by adding de-icer, which can be found in a pet supply catalog or at a hardware store.Keep your pet away from antifreeze that may be found in your garage or driveway. Antifreeze is poisonous to pets, even ingested in small amounts. Also take care to protect your pet from road salt, which can produce burns on the animal's feet and tongue.Consider dressing your dog up in a dog sweater during the winter season. Such sweaters are warm and can protect the dog's hair from picking up chemicals.Intense cold and intense heat are harmful to pets. Remove snow and ice from your pet as soon as possible and prevent burns by limiting time spent in front of the fire.Concrete, brick, tile and linoleum floors may become extremely cold for pets' paws. Padding, throw rugs or blankets can help. Restaurant pads, used in work areas of busy diners, can be thrown down as good insulation, too.Keep your pets clean: Hair, feathers and fur insulate, and the cleaner it is, the better job it does.Make sure your outdoor doghouse is winter ready. A doghouse shouldn't be so large that the pet's body heat can't warm it up, and remember to insulate the doghouse fully so that its body heat doesn't escape.Doghouses that are slightly elevated off the ground can help prevent moisture from building up. Always remember to change your dog's bedding regularly to keep the doghouse clean and dry, and use nonmetal water bowls to prevent your dog's tongue from sticking to the dish.
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