Housing: Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours is an indoor pet, his bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably eleveated slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors, proved a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate insude. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas) to keep out the winter winds. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.
Frostbite: Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once. Frostbitten skin may trun reddish, whit or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, takeyour pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he/she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
Snow Removal/Salt: Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately.
Antifreeze: Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Precautions are necessary with all antifreeze products on teh market. Read labels and warnings carefully. Thoroughly clean up spoills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.
Napping Cats: Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn. Even ifyour own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.
Food: If your pet is outdoors, staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.
Water: Always have fresh, clean water available for you pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently since it may freeze.
