Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe These Winter Months

Gone are the green days of summer, replaced by the changing leaves
of autumn – a reminder that it’s the perfect time to
refresh your pet IQ before any winter-related dangers come to haunt
you! Most savvy pet owners know the usual pet-safety tips about
poisonous items in the home, like poinsettias and chocolate. But, as
many veterinarians can tell you, that is just the beginning…
Many holidays are celebrated between the months of October and
January, meaning that extra food, guests and dangers for pets are right
around the corner. Keep these tips from the American Humane Association
in mind as you prepare your holiday festivities.
Ringing Doorbell = Nervous Breakdown
Many pets are agitated by the sound of doorbells, especially since
their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. If your dogs bark, run
and jump when new people arrive at the house, or if your cat runs for
cover, consider disengaging the doorbell and putting a sign on the door
to ask guests to “knock please.” Provide an open cage large
enough for your animal to stand and fully turn around in, and place it
in a quiet room away from the hubbub so your pet can choose when to
join your party. This will also help keep your pet from running away
during the frequent opening and closing of your door if you keep the
cage closed.
“No” to the Five-Second Rule
Sometimes we forget what can fall on the floor when we are cooking
for a holiday crowd and there’s a pet around. Some of it may be
OK, but other things, like bread dough, can cause problems. When an
animal ingests dough, its body heat causes the dough to rise in its
stomach, leading to bloat or worse. It’s best to let your pet
snack on familiar favorites instead of unfamiliar holiday goodies like
candy and other people’s food.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Cats and other animals may seek out your car engine for warmth
during the winter months, so honk the horn or bang on the hood a few
times before starting the engine.
Adjust Your Pet’s Diet
Most pets spend more time indoors during the winter, which means
their activity level drops and they need less food. However, if your
pet does spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, he will need
more food as he burns calories to keep warm. Talk to your veterinarian
for advice on the proper diet for your pet.
Ice, Snow and Salt
Your pet may like taking a stroll outside when the temperature dips,
but many people use powerful salts on their sidewalks to combat the
ice. Clean your pet’s paws after your outing to prevent its pads
from becoming irritated and dried out.
Just Because It’s Cold Doesn’t Mean They Can’t Catch a Bug
Remember to keep your pets on their regular heartworm, flea and tick preventive medicines, even during the winter.
In Addition to Poinsettias …
Holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and pine needles can be harmful to your
pet’s stomach. Go for the fake versions to keep your traditions,
and your pet, alive.
If They Like Toilet Water, They’ll Probably Like Tree Water
Both cats and dogs may find Christmas-tree water irresistible, so if
you add a tree preservative to the water, make sure it is pet friendly.
Better yet, use a tree stand designed to prevent pets from accessing
the water, which can harbor bacteria.
More Temptation Lies in the Tree
With its glittering lights and natural climbing area, the Christmas
tree may offer a new place for your cat or dog to play. Hang your most
valuable or breakable ornaments near the top and pet-friendly ornaments
on the bottom.

thanks Karen

Karen.

thanks karen