Winter is a difficult time for pets. Outdoor animals need extra care in order to cope with the cold weather. Special attention should also be paid to older animals, youngpuppies and animals with short coats.

        It is important for all animals to be properly nourished during the winter months.Outdoor animals require about 25% more food during the winter months than duringwarmer months. The increase in food is necessary to generate enough heat for thebody to stay warm. Indoor animals often require less food since exercise is generallylimited.

        Pets require adequate shelter during the cold weather. Outdoor dogs should have aninsulated dog house that is protected from the wind. The dog house should not be toolarge (the heat that the dog generates is used to keep him (her) warm) and theopening should face south or southeast. A plastic flap should cover the entrance,especially during windy days. Straw, hay or blankets make excellent bedding material.
 

        Cats generally do not find doghouses very appealing. An small entrance flap (cat door)to the basement of the house, or to the garage, will provide an access to shelter duringthe cold weather.

        Outdoor animals cannot eat snow for a source of water. Clean, fresh water must beprovided several times each day. A water heater is a practical solution, however itmust be safe and installed properly.

        During the cold weather, cats often take shelter under the hood of cars. A warmengine is a comfortable area for a cat to rest. When the car is started, the cat riskssevere injuries from the fan belt or blades. Before starting a car, knock on the hood orraise it in order to conduct a safety check.

        Paws should be checked regularly during the winter months. Snow and ice should beremoved from the fur located between the toes. Damp paws should be thoroughlydried. Moisture that accumulates between the toes can cause sores. De-icing chemicalsand salt are common irritants. If these products are commonly used, animals pawsshould be bathed regularly.

        Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested by animals. The sweet taste is often appealingto cats and dogs. Antifreeze that is spilled should be cleaned up immediately.

        Pets often experience dry skin during the winter months. Lack of humidity tends todry the skin. Frequent grooming (brushing) helps stimulate the production of oil fromthe skin glands.

        Occasionally an animal is accidentally left outdoors for an extended period of time. As aresult, frostbite may occur. The most common areas for frostbite are the tips of theears, paw pads, and the tip of the tail. The frostbite area should be bathed in warmwater (not hot) then the animal should be taken to a veterinary hospital.

        Kindness is the best care for animals during the winter months. If the temperaturedrops below 15 degrees F., the pet should be moved indoors. If an animal is shiveringor refuses to play, this generally means that he (she) is too cold. This animal should bebrought indoors.