The Humane Society of Saint Joseph and Buchanan County

You must provide adequate shelter. A proper doghouse must be windproof and watertight, with a floor raised off the ground and warm, waterproof bedding inside. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and a flap placed over the opening to keep drafts out.

Don’t leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside for too long. Short-coated, very young, or old dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Make sure your companion animals have plenty of fresh, clean water in a secure, non-tip plastic bowl at all times. Check periodically through out the day.

Keep your indoor pets warm, dry and away from drafts. Tile and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so provide blankets or beds on floors in these areas.

Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws too. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also become cracked from snow or encrusted ice. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm-dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, so make sure they always wear I.D. tags. Be careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal can freeze to death. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your pet’s life.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to give them a chance to escape before starting your engine.

Antifreeze is a lethal 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.

Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your pet. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach. Remember to use safety measures when burning candles.

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