As the colder weather approaches, we humans prepare for the changes. We plan holiday activities. Like planning for yourself and your family, don’t forget the needs of the four-legged family member. The winter months not only include the promises of festive activities but also can place our canine and feline family members health in jeopardy.

Here are some suggestions on making the holidays fun yet safe for your family pets.

 

 

Limit the snacks you might want to save for    your companion pet from the Thanksgiving table. Be sure to check carefully for any bone fragments in all foods.

Remember that many holiday plants (poinsettias for example) are toxic to you, your children and your pets.

Keep dangling cords, ribbons and string away from your pet’s reach.

winter weather often creates the need for special planning and preparation for all family members, pets included

Check your pet’s outside water regularly in harsh, cold weather to make sure it doesn’t freeze.

Use a ceramic or safe-plastic water bowl outside. Remember that an animal’s tongue might freeze to a metal bowl.

Ice melting chemicals and salts are not only irritants to your pet’s feet but possibly toxic as well. Wipe your pet’s feet after an outside stroll to prevent ingestion of toxins. Coolant (anti freeze) overflow from radiators is also toxic but attractive to animals. Be sure your pet does not drink from coolant puddles.

Cats sometimes seek shelter from the cold by napping near the warmth of a car engine.

Depending on the weather, limit your companion’s outside activities. Pet extremities, such as feet, ears, tail and nose are vulnerable to frostbite. If this occurs, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Dress your companion in a sweater, jacket or booties as needed.

Dogs confined to doghouses should be visited regularly. Make sure the doghouse has been draft-proofed and that snow does not impede the entryway. Use straw as bedding; blankets may hold moisture and freeze. Ideally, all pets should be brought inside when temperatures drop.

Use an all natural skin and coat supplement to address dry and flaky skin.

Fireplaces and space heaters are great to warm up a room, but they also can spell trouble for companion animals. Most pets will try to get close to a heat source and may accidentally get burned or even tip a space heater over.

Cats and other small animals will often climb inside a parked car, near the engine because it is a warm refuge. Before you start your car, bang on the hood or honk your horn to scare any animals away and avoid a horrible accident.
 

Here’s one final word of advice for all pet parents with senior and arthritic dogs and cats. The cold weather is particularly hard on these animals. Their joints may be  a little more tender than usual and their mobility may decrease due to stiffness. Supervision when climbing stairs or walking on the ice outside is necessary to avoid slip and fall accidents. A ramp will make it easier to get in and out of the house. And, of course, a comfortable pet bed really goes a long way for these animals.
 
                          Holiday Safety Tips For Pets