Cold Weather Pet Tips

cat_snowWe don’t even have to battle the weather outside anymore to know it’s freezing cold! We have all seen enough dashboard temperature gauge pictures on Facebook to know that it is COLD outside!

While we’re busy adding layers and hoping it’s socially acceptable to sport furry house slippers out of the house, it is crucial to keep our furry friends in mind as well while we battle these brutally cold temperatures! Although they have a layer of fur that we don’t have (most of us, anyway), they still need to escape the freezing cold weather!

A list of useful tips for pet owners include the following:

1. Keep your cats inside. Outdoors, cats run the risk of freezing.

2. During the winter, outdoor felines have been known to sleep under the hoods of cars. Sadly when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or even killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the hood of your car before you start the engine to give the cat a opportunity to escape.

3. Do not 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.

4. Thoroughly clean off your dog’s stomach and legs as he comes in out of the snow, ice or sleet. He can ingest antifreeze, salt or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws.

5. Be sure that your companion has a warm area to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A comfy dog or cat bed with a warm pillow or blanket is perfect.

6. Don’t ever leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A vehicle can act as a refrigerator during the winter, holding in the cold and causing your pet to freeze to death.

7. Young puppies don’t deal with the cold weather as well as adult dogs, making it hard to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may want to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outside only to relieve himself.

8. Does your canine spend a lot of time engaged in activities outside? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep them, and his coat, in the best possible shape.

You take care of your pets while Paul Davis takes care of your home!

To see the communities that Paul Davis Restoration Of Augusta/Aiken assists with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair, click here.
Taco_Bed