Fall and Winter Tips

Outdoor cats can get lost, injured, or even freeze to death. Cats like to seek warmth under the hood of your car and can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Bang loudly on the hood of the car before starting the engine to give your cat a chance to escape.

 

Dogs love the sweet flavor of antifreeze, but it is toxic and potentially fatally if ingested. Clean up spills and make sure your dog does not have access to antifreeze. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze get him/her to a veterinarian immediately.

 

Wipe your dog's feet and belly after being out in snow and ice to limit injury to the pads from encrusted ice and reduce the risk of ingesting salt, ice melt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous substances.

 

Keep your dog on a leash. In snow and ice, your dog can lose their scent and easily become lost. Keep ID tags on your dog and consider a microchip as a safe and permanent form of identification.

 

Never shave your dog in the winter; a longer coat helps keep your dog warm in the cold weather. After a bath, be sure your dog is completely dry before going outside. Consider a sweater or coat for short-haired breeds, puppies, and geriatric or ill pets, who are all particularly sensitive to cold weather.

 

A car acts as a refrigerator in winter, trapping the cold inside. Your pet could easily freeze to death if left inside a car.