WINTER PET CARE TIPS American Veterinary Medical Association Housing: It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm. Feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor. Roaming cats: Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside. Frostbite and snow removal salt: Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably. Toxic plants and holiday/winter products: Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet! Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints. Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk). Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); expoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets. Other holiday concerns: If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's). Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.  Cold Weather Protection  http://www.nsalamerica.org/pet_talk/seasonal_tips.html An easily preventable problem seen in pets this time of year is antifreeze poisoning. Careless disposal or draining of automobile radiators – often times by individuals unaware of the toxic possibilities to pets – is the leading cause. The symptoms can be reversed depending on the amount ingested and the time interval after ingestion. Puddles of this greenish/yellow liquid are too frequently found in street gutters, garages and driveways. Its sweet taste attracts pets and can be lethal in even the smallest quantities-- a small amount of antifreeze solution can cause death; cats only need to lick a few drops. Restlessness, depression and unsteadiness appear within 60 minutes of ingestion and may be followed by coma and death within 12 to 36 hours. Prognosis is typically poor and the best treatment is prevention. This tragedy can easily be prevented by using extreme caution when handling antifreeze and taking the proper precautions when disposing of it. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, immediately bring them to your nearest veterinary emergency clinic. Dogs and cats can withstand cooler weather when certain conditions are met. Some breeds are even known to develop heavier coats for colder climates. There are however, some breeds that are not equipped to handle drastic changes in temperatures. Pet owners need to use common sense in order to protect their pets during colder seasons. If you and your pet enjoy the winter months and wish to spend time out of doors, the following information can help you protect your pet from the cold. Walks should be brief and in frigid weather (25 degrees or less), time out side should be limited to the absolute necessities.   Large breed, longhaired dogs and working dogs that are well acclimated may need or wish to spend more time outside. Dog kennels provide temporary shelter, but prolonged periods of extreme cold are still unwise.   Toy breeds, thin dogs, dogs that have been shaved or have very short coats should wear a sweater or coat outside.   Thin ear tips may also become frost bitten, resulting in the tips of the ears potentially falling off.   Pets generate body heat from calories produced by food. Fat is the ingredient that produces the most heat. Feed a high calorie diet such as the premium diets provide, or add some fat in the form of animal fat or vegetable oil. Feeding low priced generic type food does not provide enough calories for adequate body heat production.   Keep paws dry to help prevent frostbite in the footpads. Boots are available to help keep them dry and warm.   Salt and ice-melting chemicals stick to the fur between your dog's toes and pads. These compounds sting and dogs will often appear very lame. Wipe off these substances with warm water when your dog returns inside.   You must always provide an adequate water supply or dehydration will occur. Water left outdoors in colder weather will freeze- replenish fresh water often.   Of course limiting your pet’s exposure to the elements is the best way to insure their health and well-being.   Animals under the age of four months cannot regulate body temperature well and will need to be protected. Young animals need dry, warm quarters. If, despite these precautions your pet suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him/her up in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns.