With the winter months approaching and the impending snow storm, it is important to recognize that your dog or cat may not be properly acclimated to cold weather. Like people, many animals do not enjoy being cold. Even though they come equipped with fur, it may not be enough to keep them warm. Perhaps you have seen your pet curled up on a heating vent or lying on top of a warm throw; these could be signs that he is seeking warmth. Clothes – even in the house – can help to regulate your pet’s body temperature and keep him comfortable. Follow these common sense guidelines to assure your pet is warm and comfortable:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible in cold weather. When they go out, stay with them. When you’re cold enough to go in, your pet is probably ready to return inside too.
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Make sure that your pet always has fresh, non-frozen drinking water. Animals who don’t have clean accessible water will turn to gutters and puddles when they can drink deadly antifreeze, oil and other chemicals.
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Your pet’s health can also affect how long he can stay outdoors. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet’s ability to regulate their own body heat.
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Very young and old animals are especially vulnerable to the cold. The cold can be especially hard on the joints of older animals that become stiff and tender. Stay directly behind older pets when they are climbing stairs. Stiff and arthritic pets can experience significant injury if they slip on ice, so beware of conditions when you walk them.
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If you live near a pond or lake, be especially careful of ice. Animals can easily fall through the ice and it is difficult for them to escape on their own. Keep your pet on a leash and stay with them when outdoors.
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Pets who go outdoors can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. Keep your pet’s pads from getting chapped and raw by wiping their feet with a washcloth when they come inside.
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Beware of your pet becoming trapped. Animals left outdoors can be very resourceful in trying to find shelter. They dig into snow banks and dive under porches, into window wells, and cellars where they can become trapped. Always provide warm, accessible shelter and watch them closely.
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Check under your car hood, honk, or rap on the hood before you start your car or truck engine. A cold cat will curl up against almost anything–including engines–to stay warm.
Braxton’s Aminal Works offers a wide variety of pet coats, sweaters, outer wear, boots, sport wear, and even doggie pajamas. Exposed to the cold, it could take only a few minutes for your dog to become chilled. Consider doggie clothing, it can keep your dog cleaner, safer, and more comfortable even on nice days.
Mark your calendar for Braxton’s upcoming events.
Santa and Pet Photos at Braxton’s – November 18, 11:00-3:00; December 8, 12:00-4:00.
Pooch Smooch Photography at Braxton’s November 10 and December 1 11:00 – 4:00. Call Pooch Smooch to schedule a photo shoot.
WMMR radio – Preston & Steve campout for Hunger –
Braxton’s will be participating in a Pet food drive Nov. 28 – Dec. 2.
Dog Training Center of Chester County
Braxton’s will be collecting toys for a holiday toy drive.
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