7 Tips on Protecting Pets from Winter Threats

This post by guest writer Amber Kingsley.

Winters on the East Coast can be brutal at times and they can be problematic for our pets especially when the temperatures begin to drop. Mostly when we think of these colder months and our animals, the obvious comes to mind, keeping them indoors when the forecast is looking bleak. But there’s many other ways we can protect our pets from the elements along with making other animals safe during the wintertime. Here’s seven ways we can help keep them out of harm’s way until spring arrives along with warmer temperatures:

#1 – Winter and Wildlife Usually winter is a time when many types of animals and wildlife are less active, but when the snow falls, some of them are more aggressive when it comes to searching for food. Be sure to keep garbage and refuse containers tightly sealed. If possible keep them in a garage or other outbuilding to keep disease-carrying scavengers like raccoons at bay.

#2 – Water and Winter If your dog or cat spends a great deal of time outdoors, be sure to regularly check their water dishes to make sure they aren’t frozen. While dehydration is more common during the summertime, in colder months it can also occur if their source of moisture is non-existent.

#3 – Cats and Cars If you live in a neighborhood or area that frequented by cats, it’s common for them to seek warmth underneath the hood of a car. You could save a life by simply tapping the hood of your vehicle before entering to startle the feline to flee the dangers of your engine before it’s started.

#4 – Animals and Antifreeze Most people are aware of the deadly effects of antifreeze on animals since just a small amount can kill a dog or cat. Be on the lookout for the accumulation of this dangerous liquid in puddles, drainage ditches, driveways or any place this poison can be lingering and clean them up immediately.

#5 – Salt and Chemicals Many cities, counties and other agencies will use snow abatement chemicals like salt to help curb the accumulation of ice and snow. If you’re one who walks their dog regularly through city streets and sidewalks, be sure to wash their feet thoroughly after an outing to prevent them from licking these potentially hazardous chemicals off their paws.

#6 – Food and Water You may notice that pets eat less during the hotter months of summer and consume more food in the wintertime. While animals will drink more in the heat, they still need to stay hydrated in the winter. Make sure they have plenty of food at mealtimes and access to clean drinking water throughout the day.

#7 – Pause and Protect If you do see an animal that’s being neglected and <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/12/keep_pets_inside_winter_122110.html?credit=web_id112494760?referrer=http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/protect_pets_winter viagra belgique pharmacie.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/”>left out in the cold, share your concern with the pet’s owner. If they don’t respond, take detailed notes including dates, times and locations along with as many details as possible. Report them to your local animal shelter or Sheriff’s office to stop this type of abuse.

In a previous post, we discussed a Popsicles For Pups donation program, but we certainly don’t want our canines or any other animals to become frozen themselves. With a little bit of planning, preparation and awareness, we can make sure our four-legged, best friends are healthy and warm this winter.