Winterizing family pets is crucial

Winterizing family pets is crucialI don't know about you but, "Baby it is cold out side."
It has been thousands of years since man domesticated dogs and cats, and in this time, our four-legged family members have lost the ability to protect themselves from cold weather. The Humane Society of the United States offers the following advice to ensure that both dogs and cats will be safe this winter.
First, keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to keep your pet indoors. As a matter of fact, short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Secondly, be sure to keep your pet's coat well groomed. Matted fur will not properly protect your pet from cold weather.
Third, check your garage and driveway for antifreeze spills. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are poisonous if consumed. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately?
Fourth, when your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Regularly check your pet's water to make sure it is not frozen. Animals cannot burn calories without a fresh supply of water, and if they cannot burn calories, they will get cold. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard-plastic water bowl rather than a stainless steel one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to a cold metal. Also, use a damp towel to wipe your pet's feet and underside.
Fifth, remember, ice-melting chemicals such as salt can irritate or burn the pads of your pet's feet. It can also cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to protect your dog's feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray, or you can purchase boots for your pet.
Finally, and the most important thing, if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time, is to provide a dry, draft-free doghouse for it to seek shelter. This doghouse should be large enough to allow your pet to sit and lay down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. I suggest that you line your doghouse with hay or similar type of material. Coastal hay is available at Berend Brothers on Jacksboro Highway. Indoors, make sure your pet sleeps away from drafts. Areas near windows or doors that lead outdoors may allow cold air to seep in and keep your pet from staying adequately warm.
Let's not forget the kitties out there. Since cats like to crawl into harm into warm place, you should use caution when starting vehicles. To prevent a possibly grisly mishap, slap the hood of your vehicle before starting it. Cats often like to take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire in their search to keep warm outdoors.
It is also import to consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during colder weather. If your dog stays indoors more, it is probably getting less exercise and may need less food. If, however, your pet is outside often, it may need more food in order to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.
While some pet owners think it is best to keep their pets outside, this goes against the formed nature of our domesticated furry friends. Dogs and cats are domesticated animals that have been bred to be with their human pack. As a matter of fact, most domesticated pets crave human companionship. Pets deserve to live indoors with you and your family. Let us be sure to take care of your furry friends during this cold weather.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.