Here in Chicago, we went from 57? last week to the low 20s? with 10 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. Some of us were thinking (hoping?) that winter might stay away this year, but no such luck. So we have hauled out the boots, shovels and gloves, and are digging in for a long winter.
Many of the same issues that plague humans during cold winter weather can be troublesome for pets, too. Here are a few tips for winterizing for your animals.
Cold, dry outdoor air and warm, dry indoor air can both cause problems. When the heat is on all day, it can cause dry skin. Invest in a good humidifier, and keep it clean, filled, and running. Reptiles and amphibians will probably need more misting during winter months, so monitor humidity levels with a good gauge.
Protect against dehydration. That same dry air that makes you thirsty all winter can cause dehydration in your pets. Keep water bowls clean and filled.
Space heaters can be dangerous for pets. Don?t leave pets unattended around space heaters. Take care with the placement of space heaters around cages, so they don?t cause dangerous hot spots, and be sure to keep space heaters clear of flammable materials, such as pet bedding.
Take care of your pet?s paws. Cold weather and wet paws can cause chapping.?Use?salt-free and chloride-free ice melting products on your sidewalks and driveway. Wash and dry your dog?s paws after a walk. Booties can help protect the paw pads on long walks, and you can use petroleum jelly to prevent or ease chapping.
Never leave a pet locked in a car during winter. Temperatures in a car can drop very quickly in cold weather, leaving your pet vulnerable to exposure. An idling car is equally dangerous, allowing toxic carbon monoxide to build up in your vehicle.
Maintain proper cage and tank temperatures.?Many of us set back our thermostats at night or when everyone is away during the day to save on heating bills. Some pets, such as lizards, fish, and some small mammals, don?t handle this kind of temperature dip very well. You can still save money dialing down the thermostat if you provide auxiliary heating for your pets, such as an under-tank heater, a ceramic heater or an infrared bulb. Be sure to use a true infrared bulb, not just a red light bulb, and discuss the best auxiliary heater for your pet with your veterinarian or local pet expert.
Limit outside time when temperatures dip below freezing. Talk to your groomer about keeping your pet?s coat a little longer in the winter, or buy a sweater. Keep outdoor activities short, but don?t skimp on exercising your pet just because it?s cold. The ASPCA offers several tips for winter pet exercise.
Keep toxic chemicals out of pet?s reach, including ice-melting agents, anti-freeze, and poisonous house plants.
A little preparation will keep you and your pets warm, safe and dry all winter long.
Related Picture Books
Frederick by Leo Lionni
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Susan Bearman also writes at?Two Kinds of People,?Mike&Ollie: 24-weekers Who Beat the Odds?and?The Animal Store Blog,?as well as being a?regular contributor to?The Chicago Moms?and?Technorati.
Source: http://blog.garanimals.com/2012/01/18/winterizing-for-pets/
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