How to Protect Your Pet from Winter Hazards

Just as extreme summer heat can cause health problems from dogs and cats, winter brings on its own set of potential hazards for our four-legged friends. How can you ensure your pets safety during the frigid cold? Check out these tips from the ASPCA.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Be on the lookout for any antifreeze or engine coolant that has spilled in the driveway, garage or street. These products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals.
2. Store potentially harmful chemicals in clearly marked, sealed containers in areas not accessible to pets.
3. Make sure (even if your pets are indoor/outdoor animals) that your dog or cat has a well-sheltered area when outside away from the cold and wind. If possible, keep animals inside, especially during cold spells and inclement weather.
4. Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing an animal to freeze to death.
5. Wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in from being out in sleet, snow or ice. Dogs can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws. Additionally, their paw pads can bleed and crack from extreme cold and salt.
6. Just because it's cold, doesn't mean your pet doesn't need plenty of water. Winter air can be very drying, which leaves pets dehydrated so ensure your pet has access to fresh water.
7. If there are outdoor or feral cats in your neighborhood, bang on the hood of the car before turning on the engine. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes crawl under the hoods of cars for warmth, but a car's fan belt can kill or injure an animal when the motor starts.