Winter Pet Care

by Jo-Ann Behan

            Pets require special considerations in the winter weather, just as we do. Cold, damp weather with a strong wind chill can threaten a pet's life, if your pets live outdoors, its house should be draft free and several inches off the ground. It should be large enough for the animal to sit and lie down comfortably and be positioned away from the wind. Short-haired dogs will be more protected in a sweater. Be sure to use a plastic water bowl, not metal. This prevents your pet's tongue from sticking and freezing to the surface. It is best for your pet's safety and comfort to live indoors. It's not possible for any animal to be comfortable in below-freezing temperatures.

            Since the climate in Tennessee can be mild, as well as cold, during the winter months, heartworm prevention is crucial for your pet. Heartworm is a serious condition and often fatal disease caused by parasites that live in the arteries of the heart and lungs. Thanks to modern medicine, your pet can be spared this dreadful infection by taking the prescribed medication only once a month.

            A few other tips for your winter pet care include the following. Be aware that antifreeze is a deadly poison and should be safely stored out of reach of pets and critters. Also, animal paws can be burned from salted surfaces and treated roads. Wiping your pet's paws after a walk is good prevention. In addition, cars offer shelter to cats and small wildlife in the winter. To avoid injury to animals, bang on the hood of your vehicle before you start the engine.