Winter Pet Tips

Oh dear! Winter is here! Help protect pets with these tips for the cold months….

Beware of potentially dangerous chemicals such as antifreeze or road salt. When you come indoors with your dog make sure to wipe off his/her paws, legs and stomachs to avoid your pet ingesting these chemicals or causing contact skin irritations.
Outdoor cats have been known to crawl up under the hoods of cars to seek shelter and warmth near the engine during the cold winter months. A cat may be killed or injured when the motor is started. Make sure you bang loudly on the hood of your car before starting it so a cat may escape.
We recommend keeping your cat indoors at all times, but especially in the winter. Cats can freeze if left out and exposed to the freezing temperatures. If kept in, he will not become lost, stolen, or injured by a car or another animal. He also won't pick up fleas or other parasites (ticks, ear mites, worms), or become exposed to a number of contagious, deadly diseases like feline leukemia, infectious peritonitis and rabies.
Leaving your pet in the car while running into a store is not recommended. Your car can act as a refrigerator holding in the cold.
Some dogs that do not have such a hearty coat may require a coat or sweater when going out for their daily walks.
Many dogs are hit by snowplows every year. Even though an area may look safe, your dog should be on a leash or in a fenced area. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears a collar with ID tags.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

If you have any questions, please call the Shelter at 978-745-9888.