KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS.
Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost, or be stolen, injured, exposed to infectious diseases (including rabies), or killed. (recent statistics show more cats contact rabies than dogs!)
BANG ON THE HOOD of our car in cold weather. Outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars and can be injured or killed by the fan belt when the car is started.
NEVER LET YOUR DOG OFF THE LEASH ON SNOW OR ICE, especially during a snowstorm – dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
THROUGHLY WIPE OFF THE LEG AND STOMACHS when your dog comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Dogs can ingest salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. Paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
DON’T SHAVE YOUR DOG DOWN TO THE SKIN IN WINTER. A longer coat provides more warmth. Completely dry your dog after a bath. If you own a short-haired breed, consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck that covers from the base of the tail to the belly.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG OR CAT ALONE IN A CAR in cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
PUPPIES DO NOT TOLERATE THE COLD as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. You may opt to paper-train your puppy inside. If sensitive to the cold due to age, illness, or breed, take your dog outdoors only to relieve himself.
INCREASE OUR DOG’S FOOD SUPPLY if he spends a lot of time romping outdoors. Protein and other nutrients help keep him and his fur in tip top shape.
THOROUGHLY CLEAN UP ANY ANTIFREEZE AND ENGINE COLLANT SPILLS from our vehicle. These poisons are lethal to dogs and cats. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
PROVIDE YOUR PET WITH A WARM PLACE TO SLEEP, off the floor and away from drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.