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NEW Protect Your Pet from Winter's Woes
In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing
wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder
months by following these simple guidelines.
Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and
all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise.
Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and
all cats should never be left outside without supervision.
Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during
walks.
No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life.
A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your
dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry,
draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and
lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.
The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered
with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face
away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with
waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter
because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's
water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use
plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature
is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may
crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang
on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate
the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before
your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may
attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze
(and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use
antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small
amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog
or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those
who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside
the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave
human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors
with you and your family.
- Above Article by the Human Society of the United States
Recent News Articles:
Pet Ownership, A Long Term Commitment
As a loyal friend and guardian to your pets, you have certain
responsibilities to provide food, shelter, and veterinary care to
ensure your birds, dogs, cats, and all other pet's health and safety. As some pets such as dogs are
"man's best friend," so are we our "pet's best friend," and we
should be willing to attend to their needs before our own. Pet
ownership is a long-term commitment resulting in mutually rewarding
companionships for both people and pets.
Whether you purchase a pedigreed pet from a reputable breeder, or
rescue one from the animal shelter; whether you find it in your
local paper or through a search in Yahoo, it will be totally dependent on
you for its care and well-being. It is important to build mutual
trust and loyalty from the start, by spending as much time together,
and training it to be responsive and obedient. The local humane
society or pet club may offer obedience classes. A well-behaved pet
will ensure a good relationship with your neighbors, and will be a
joy to own.
Provide a warm, dry place for your pet to live.
Never leave two or more pets together unattended unless you have
observed them frequently and are sure they are compatible. Be sure
to take larger pets such as dogs or potbelly pigs outside often (at
least three times a day) to urinate and defecate to avoid accidents,
and always provide clean, fresh water. Pets quickly adapt to a
routine, and come to expect the same activities on a daily basis.
Unless you plan to raise babies, it is important to spay (removal
of ovaries and uterus) or neuter (removal of testicles) your pet.
This will prevent objectionable behavior, such as roaming and
fighting, and help your pet enjoy a longer, healthier life. In
addition, spaying of females lowers the risk of mammary cancer.
Purchase a license if your city or town requires it, and attach
it to the pet's collar, along with an identification tag containing
your name and address in order to expedite finding a lost pet.
Microchip I.D.'s are now available from your veterinarian.
It is a good idea to name a caretaker for your four-legged
friend, in case of your death, or hospitalization, just as you would
for a child.
Please note: We are not affiliated with the Avid PETtrac
Microchips. Avid PETtrac can be found at the Avid PETtrac Microchip site. We highly recommend serious pet owners take advantage of this
key Pet ID Tag.
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