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Keep
indoor pets in a dry, warm area free of drafts. If possible, elevate
your pets bed off the floor.
Provide outdoor dogs or cats with a dry, insulated pet house or
shelter out of the wind. Bring your pet inside if the wind chill or
other weather conditions become severe.
 Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly
when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advise on
feeding your pet.
Cats
and kittens often nap on car engines for warmth. Knock on the hood
and honk the horn; then wait a few minutes before starting your car.
Pets
like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a very small amount
can kill them. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Tightly close
containers and store them where pets cannot get to them.
Remove
ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paws and coat at once.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has
frostbite. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it
may be scaly or sloughing.
Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates, and bones
from poultry, pork and fish can be harmful or toxic to your pets.
Keep your pet on his regular diet. |
Chocolate, in addition to having a high fat content, contains
caffeine and theobromine. These two components stimulate the
nervous system and can be toxic to animals.
The
following types of chocolate should NOT be ingested by your pet -
White chocolate, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, instant cocoa
and baking chocolate.
 Many
plants - including Christmas rose, holly, mistletoe, philodendron,
Poinsettia, Amaryllis, dieffenbachia and Christmas cactus - are
toxic to pets. Keep them out of your pets reach.
Holiday paraphernalia can be dangerous to pets. Cover or tack down
electrical cords. Keep tinsel and glass ornaments out of your pet's
reach. Read warnings on items like spray-on snow. Never put
ribbons around your pet's neck or allow it to play with plastic or
foil wrappings or six-pack beverage holders.
The
preservatives used in tree-stand water can be toxic if ingested by
your pet.
Increased activity and visitors can upset the normal routine of your
pet. Try to keep your pet on their regular schedule for feeding and
exercise and make sure they get lots of extra love. |
