Pet Safe!

March 2003

By Rachel Konkler

If you own pets, particularly dogs and cats, here are some tips for keeping your pets safe in that freezing Vermont season, Winter!

• Try to limit the dog walks. Some days, it is bitterly cold, and your dog can get hypothermia or frostbite. If possible, get a special “doggy sweater” for your dog to wear outside.
• Please wipe paws! When your dog or cat comes in from the cold, wipe his feet with a rag or towel. The salt from the streets isn’t good for his paws and wiping them will warm up his feet.
• If you have smaller pets, like rodents, put an old dry towel or scrap of material in her cage so she can snuggle up with it.
• Try to bring rabbits indoors, and if the cage has a wire bottom, place layers of newspaper over it.
• KEEP ANTIFREEZE OUT OF REACH! Antifreeze can kill your dog or cat! Keep all chemicals out of reach with the cap on TIGHT!
• If your pets show signs of discomfort, frostbite, or hypothermia, call your vet right away.

Remember, keep you pets and family safe and warm in Winter!