TOPIC:
- Happy and Healthy Winters
Here are some simple tips to
“winterize” your pets:
- Even on cold winter
days your dog needs regular exercise. When the temperature
plummets, consider a dog sweater to keep Fido warm on winter
walks. After the walk, wipe your dog’s paws to remove
dirt, snow, wetness or foreign objects. Check ears and tail
for frostbite (frostbitten skin looks abnormally red or gray),
which can be treated by applying warm (not hot), moist
towels to the affected area until it slowly thaws. Severe
cases may require vet care.
- Your dog should
spend most of the day indoors in severe weather, but if you
put him outside for a bit of exercise, still provide a
clean, dry shelter with an opening facing away from the
wind. Constantly check water and food bowls to make sure
that they are clean and that drinking water hasn’t frozen.
- Some pet owners
install a pet door that allows access to a porch, garage
or back yard. Make sure the mechanisms are working well each
fall so that inclement weather does not stop their free
movement. Even with a pet door, provide a warm shelter
outside for your dog in case he accidentally gets stuck
outside the pet door during inclement weather.
- Pets, like people,
may gain weight during the winter. It’s ok to indulge your
dog in an occasional treat, but make sure that it is
eating healthfully. Your vet can advise you about special
dietary needs.
- Indoor play
provides important bonding time, and will keep both you and
your pet physically active. If you are regularly out of the
house for long periods, consider a companion pet for your
dog. Pet buddies provide not only warmth and companionship,
but they also groom each other and encourage physical
activity.
- Check that your
pets’ vaccination records are up to date. Your vet can
advise you about which vaccinations are appropriate for your
pet. Most vets and animal stores host monthly clinics
that provide rabies vaccinations and micro chipping services
at economical prices.
- Please make sure
that your pet is spayed/neutered. Even during the winter
months, pet overpopulation is a problem, leading to
thousands of unwanted, abandoned puppies.
Please do your part to ensure
that your pets and your neighbors’ pets have a happy and
healthy winter!
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