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Did
you know that more dogs are lost during the winter
than during any other season? That's because they
can lose their scent in snow and ice, or panic in
a snowstorm and run away. Always be sure to keep
your dog on a leash at all times.
If
your dog is a short-haired breed or getting on in
years, keep her toasty in cold weather with a warm
coat or sweater. Make sure it covers from her neck
to the base of her tail, as well as her chest. We
recommend leaving the hair in a longer style in
the winter.
Effect of Cold on Dogs, Especially Puppies
Puppies
in particular are more sensitive to cold than older
dogs, so you may want to papertrain your puppy inside.
And if you have an ill or elderly dog, or a breed
that cannot tolerate low temperatures, take her
outdoors only long enough to relieve herself. If
your pet enjoys increased outdoor activities, she'll
need more nutritional fuel, so you may need to increase
her food intake.
Cold Weather Protection for Outdoor Cats
One
of the problems when the temperature drops is a
tendency for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods
of cars. It may be warmer, but a car's fan belt
can kill or injure them when the motor is started.
If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood,
bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few
seconds before starting the engine. If you own a
cat, it is better to keep him inside on cold days.
And
when your dog comes in out of inclement weather,
thoroughly wipe her legs and stomach and always
check her pawpads. Encrusted snow and ice may cause
them to bleed. You'll also want to wipe off any
salt and other chemicals used to melt ice. These
can hurt your dog if she ingests them while licking
her paws.
And
antifreeze, while essential to a car's cooling system,
may be very dangerous to your pets if they are exposed
to it. Be sure to clean up any spills from your
vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a
propylene glycol-based anti-freeze like Prestone
Low Tox, which provides an added margin of safety
for pets and wildlife. If you suspect poisoning,
call your veterinarian.
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