Take care of pets this winter, keeping them safe in the cold

You love New England for all the beauty the region offers. However, living here entails withstanding its less-than-pleasant winters. And if you, the owner of multiple parkas, hats and scarves, are complaining, can you imagine what your pets would say, were they able to talk? Make their lives easier by anticipating their challenges during frigid weather.

Skin care

Start with preventing chapped paws and flaking skin by humidifying your home. If your dog is long-haired, trim its fur to avoid the formation of ice balls. However, to keep them warm don’t shave your pets down to the skin.

Before a walk, massage petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads; repeat the process after toweling-off. If your pet’s paws get irritated, wipe them during walks. Afterward, wash and dry their feet.

Steer clear of bathing your pet too often during the cold months. When your pet must be bathed, use a moisturizing shampoo.

Brush your pet often to get rid of dead hair, improve skin and stimulate blood circulation.

Outside care

During below-freezing temperatures, keep your pets inside to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. If you must take your pet outside, help short-haired ones retain body heat by dressing them in a sweater.

De-icers are full of dangerous chemicals that can cause toxicity. Minimize pain from salt crystals and prevent poisoning via antifreeze and melting agents by putting booties on your pet’s feet. Better yet, invest in pet-friendly ice melt.

Never leave your pet alone in the car during cold weather. Also, if you have an outdoor cat, chances are it’s sleeping under your car’s hood. If you start the motor, you can kill the cat with the fan belt. Bang on the hood loudly before turning on the engine.

Keep pets away from the garage and immediately clean up any leaks from your car’s radiator.

Avoid ponds and lakes when walking dogs as the ice can be too thin to support their weight.

Since snow and ice hide recognizable scents, your dog or cat may get lost easily. Don’t let your pet off the leash and ensure that it is always wearing ID tags. If you come across a lost pet, document all the relevant details and contact an animal control agency.

Everyday care

In the beginning of winter, take your pet to a veterinarian for an exam.

Prepare an emergency/disaster kit in case of a power outage. Stock up on enough food and water to last five days.

Pet-proof your house by ensuring that your furnace is efficient and installing carbon monoxide detectors. If using space heaters, check on them once in a while to make sure that they haven’t been knocked down.

If you have a puppy, paper-train it inside.

Slightly increase your pet’s food and water intake to account for the extra energy pets burn to stay warm.

Offer your pet a draft-free, above-the-floor place to sleep.

Consulted sources: aspca.org, avma.org, humanesociety.org.