Car Engines
Felines (and other wildlife) can find comfort in the craziest — and often the most dangerous — places, including car engines, which offer warmth. If you have an outdoor cat or strays in the area, check under the hood before starting the car. Cats can crawl up into the engine even if the hood is closed. Annie Wright, D.V.M., board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in St. Paul, Minn, recommends banging on the hood or honking the horn to scare critters that might have cozied up near the motor.
Cold Temperatures
Most domestic dogs and cats are ill-equipped for cold weather and, as a result, can easily succumb to frostbite or hypothermia, especially if left outside for long periods. And, contrary to popular belief, pets are not much safer in a vehicle. The car acts like a freezer, and your animal could freeze to death inside. Cold weather may also aggravate arthritis. “Pay attention to your comfort level,” says Leslie Longo, V.M.D., emergency veterinarian at the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado in Englewood. “If you’re cold, chances are, your dog or cat is, too.” Limit an animal’s time outdoors; dress small or hairless dogs in sweaters; and, if possible, place booties on your dog, no matter the size, to shelter them from wind and snow.
What if your pet lives outside or in the garage? Make sure your animal has adequate protection. “Pets should have a house away from the wind and wet weather, a comfortable bed, and a water bowl that doesn’t freeze,” says Wright. She adds that some outdoor pets may require more food in the winter to help maintain their body temperature. Check that snow isn’t blocking an animal’s house and the door hasn’t froze; the same rule applies if the animal accesses your home via a pet door.
Antifreeze
Just a few licks of this chemical can be lethal to a cat or dog. “Antifreeze is sweet and palatable, which is why animals are attracted to it,” says Longo. Keep antifreeze away from pets, preferably in leak-proof containers stored off the floor, and clean up any spills immediately. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze — look for vomiting or neurological signs like severe depression or appearing to be drunk when walking — see your vet immediately.
Carbon Monoxide
Nobody likes climbing into a cold car, but resist the urge to start the engine in a garage where your animal lives. “Carbon monoxide, even in small amounts, can kill pets,” says Wright. Because carbon monoxide from indoor heating sources can build up in your home, it’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets include lethargy and nausea. If you notice any odd behavior, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible, says Longo.
Ice-Melting Products
Slipping is not the only concern when it comes to ice, as ice-melting products can also pose problems for pets. “They irritate the paws, and licking enough of these chemicals can cause salt toxicity in pets,” Longo says. Wipe your animal’s paws with a wet cloth after it returns from the outside. Better yet, place booties on your dog’s paws before it steps outside. Most importantly, if you’re using these products, switch to non-toxic versions like Morton Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt or Safe Paw Ice Melter.
Slippery Sidewalks
Don’t walk your pet outside when the sidewalks are icy. “If a leg slips out, it’s possible your pet could dislocate a hip,” Longo says. “Or, if it’s hard enough, he could fracture a bone, especially if he’s older or has health issues.” When your animal needs to do its business, be mindful of ice. Place your pet on a leash and lead it around, or use pet-friendly ice-melting products on slippery areas where it frequently relieves itself.
Candles and Indoor Heaters
Pets can easily bump into candles and heaters, which may result in a burn or fire. Remember to place candles and heaters out of reach of pets. “Be cautious of electric heated beds, as some could cause house fires or burn pets,” Wright says. If your animal has a heated bed, make sure it comes with a low-voltage electric heater insert and a coated chew-resistant power cord. You can also insert a microwaveable heating pad between layers of the bed to keep your pet warm. Or, consider buying a bed with a center pillow made of metalized insulation that radiates warmth generated from the animal’s body heat.
Frozen Bodies of Water and Snow
“Bodies of water may look frozen, but in many cases, they’re not,” says Wright, “and pets can easily fall through.” She adds that even strong swimmers cannot swim for long in cold water, and some pets may drown instantly. To prevent freak accidents, do not let your pet play near lakes and rivers in winter. And, if you live near water, take extra precautions to ensure that your animal does not get loose. Make sure your pet is always wearing an ID tag and keep dogs leashed in the snow. Pets have a hard time tracking their scent in the cold and can become disoriented, Wright says.
Posted by Mags/ - Good Housekeeping
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