Winter Guidelines for Pets

Most pets can tolerate the cold weather just fine. But if they have not previously been exposed to the cold, do it gradually. They should adjust.

Avoid extreme temperatures. If it gets below freezing and/or the wind is whipping up, be sure they have a secure place for shelter and a ready source of water that will not freeze. No pets should be housed outside regularly (in any season) without proper shelter.

Keep their feet dry and free from salt. We see many infections this time of year because the dogs lick their feet raw after being exposed to the moisture and the salt. Clean and dry is the rule.

Keep your pets away from anti-freeze and radiator coolant. They are made of ethylene glycol, one of the most deadly substances known for pets. Keep this product out of reach in your garage; be sure your radiators are not leaking; and keep them away from puddles in the winter (and summer). You never know if someone elseÕs radiator was leaking where your pet may be drinking.

During the holidays, we see many more foreign body ingestions as kittens and puppies eat tinsel and string. And with Christmas trees and ornaments, we have a higher incidence of electric cord bites. So please baby-proof the house as best you can.

Chocolate can be toxic to pets. Please keep this away from them.