Winter Tips of the Season

North Carolina winters can go from 70 degrees to the teens within a day or so! However, most of the time the temperatures stay in the middle range of 30s to 50s. For those of you who are experiencing winter's wrath, especially if it's more severe than ours, take a moment to consider your companion and his/her needs.

• Never leave your pet in a car or truck for extended periods when the temperature is below freezing. (Depending on how smart your pet is, don't leave them in a vehicle with the engine running, either!)
• Pets who live in the house need extra protection when going outside for extended periods (more than 15-20 minutes). When animals live indoors, their bodies acclimatize to average household temperatures. They have no opportunity to grow a winter coat so they may need an extra layer (sweater, coat, etc.) just like we do.
• Severe winter weather or just overall nasty (cold and rainy) weather can make us all want to stay indoors. If your pet is not getting his normal amount of exercise, you may need to cut back a bit on the amount you are feeding. A couple of extra pounds is a lot, especially for a small-medium dog. Just pay attention and take action if the situation occurs. It will help if you refrain from giving your pet table scraps and other leftovers. Stay with a vet-recommended or premium quality feeding program and forego the "people food"!
• If you walk or run with your dog in snow, ice, or on roads that have been treated with an ice-melting substance, you may want to consider boots for your pet. Ice can form between the pads and cause loss of traction, irritation to the foot, and possibly frostbite. Boots offer better traction, protection from ice and snow as well as the chemicals used on the roads. These chemicals can be toxic. Do not let you dog lick his feet following a walk or run on treated roads.
• If your dog stays outside, be sure he has adequate shelter from the wind as well as rain, sleet, snow, etc. An insulated dog house (igloo, well built wood, etc.) is a must. Be sure rain, melting snow or ice will not run into the dog house. Regardless of the type of bedding you use, remember to check for moisture. Wet bedding is neither warm nor comfortable. In extremely cold areas, a door covering (flap, curtain, etc.) is a must. Facing the dog house with the opening to the South offers the greatest protection and opportunity for sun to warm the interior.
• Antifreeze is highly poisonous. Even worse, regular antifreeze has a sweet taste that dogs just love. Only a small taste can be fatal. The best solution is to use one of the new non-toxic "Pet Friendly" brands. Otherwise, make sure all substances like this are put safely away from inquisitive pets and spills are cleaned up immediately and completely.
  Note: In case of emergency, contact the National Animal Poison Control Center, Urbana, IL, at 1-800-548-2423
• Don't forget to check your dog's outside water bowl regularly to make sure it has not frozen. Dogs need fresh water available at all times. In very cold climates, it makes sense to use a water heater of some type.