CHECK IT OUT, PET PARENTS: HOT TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER
Winter may have made
a late debut in many parts of the country, but it has certainly
arrived in full force. With the thermometer dipping lower and
lower, the ASPCA wants to remind you that your four-legged
companions may also be feeling the chill. Here are some tips to
keep them safe and sound until springtime:
- Be on the lookout for any antifreeze or engine coolant spills
that might occur when preparing your car for winter. “These
products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals,” says Dr.
Steven Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center. “It’s important that you remember to store any
potentially harmful chemicals in clearly marked, sealed containers
in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.”
- Even if your pets are indoor/outdoor creatures, make sure their
outdoor areas are well-sheltered from the cold and wind. If
possible, keep animals inside, especially during cold spells and
inclement weather.
- Take care that your pet has plenty of water. “Winter air can be
very drying, leaving pets just as dehydrated as they are during the
hot summer months,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at
the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.
- During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes crawl under the hoods
of cars for warmth—but a car’s fan belt can kill or injure an
animal when the motor starts. If there are outdoor or feral cats in
your neighborhood, please bang on the hood of the car and wait a
few seconds before turning on the engine.
For our complete list of cold weather tips, visit visit
ASPCA online.
