Pets are our companions and during this inclement weather, efforts must be made to protect them, making them happy and keeping them healthy.
For proper pet care during the cold weather, the following are some tips for special care of your lovely pets in the winter time.
Pets must be kept inside when temperature drops and must not be allowed to go out.
Always keep your pets on the leash and be sure your pets have identification tag whenever you walk them or exercise them outside. Allow them to wear sweater during walks.
Provide enough food for your pets during the winter time so that they can generate enough heat to keep their body warm.
Never bath your pets with cold water during the winter time. If you have to bath at all, use slightly warm water and towel them dry and wrap them with blankets to keep them warm.
If there are outdoor pets in your areas (pets are naturally attracted to warm engines during winter), bang the door of your car loud enough to wake up any pet that might be sleeping under the car before starting the engine.
Whenever you walk or exercise your pets outside ,wipe their pads clean before letting them in as salts and other chemicals used to melt snow might irritate the pads.
Antifreeze can be a deadly poison to your pets. Wipe up spills from the floors whenever you use it and keep all chemicals away from the reach of your pets.
Cats especially should never be allowed outside during snow or rain as they may suffer great breathing problems or death as a result of cold and other diseases.
Don't leave your pets alone in a car when it is rainy or snowing. They may die of hypotension (low blood pressure) as a result of cold weather.
A dog or cat is healthier, safe and happy when they are kept in-door in a warm environment during winter time. Allow occasional walk or frequent exercise within the family compound when they can not go out. As much as possible create human companionship to your pets.
Consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pets and ensure your pet's vaccination programs are up to date.
For more information contact Dr. Oye Ajifolokun, University of Illinois Extension, 2205 Enterprise drive, Westchester, IL 61054. Tel: 708.449.4320. Email: aji@illinois.edu
