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Here are some key points when
"winterizing" your pet!
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KEEP THEM
WARM AND COZY: Be sure to provide proper shelter for
your pets. If yours is an indoor pet, his bed or crate
should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably
elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is outdoors,
provide a warm insulated pet house. The house should be
elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside.
Provide a "door" (pet door or piece of canvas) to keep out
the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen you can block the
wind with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of
the pen. If the wind chill or weather conditions become
severe, bring your pet inside.
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EXTRA
COLD=EXTRA FOOD: Staying warm requires extra calories,
so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops.
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YOU CAN'T DRINK ICE:
and neither can your pet, so
check his or her water bowl frequently to make sure it
hasn't frozen. Always have fresh, clean water available.
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BEWARE OF
NAPPING CATS: Cats sometimes climb into vehicle engines
for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood
or honk the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access
to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat may have taken shelter
there.
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ICE AND SNOW STICK TO FURRY PAWS
and can result in frostbite. Remove ice and snow from your
pet's paws and coat immediately. Frostbitten skin may turn
reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If
you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place
immediately and thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by
applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently.
Continue until the affected areas return to their normal
color, then call the animal hospital.
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