Are Your Pets Safe?

Owning a pet is a responsibility. We are responsible to feed them, have fresh water available for them at all times, take them to the veterinarian, groom them, play with them and train them, keeping their minds and bodies healthily engaged. With Winter upon us, those of us who live in cold, snowy, icy climates have a responsibility to keep our pets safe during the winter months, just as we do at any other time of year. Winter comes with its own set of hazards.

Cats should be indoors only, no declawing, with lots of environmental enrichment. A cat whose mind and body are actively stimulated is a happy cat. Dogs need to be walked but in winter there are some hazards. If your dog is small, or has a short haircoat, he will need a warm coat or sweater to prevent him from losing body heat too quickly. If it's an extremely cold day, do not keep your dog out very long. And do not take him along with you when you run errands. Did you know that being in a cold car can be as fatal as sitting in a hot car?

Don't just toss your dog out in the backyard to eliminate. Take him for a walk. And be sure to bring along plastic bags so you can clean up after him.

At this time of year, roads tend to be treated. This is dangerous to cats and dogs who can ingest these poisonous substances while licking their paws. Train your pet to allow you to wash his feet after a walk. Better safe than sorry!

Your dog can slip and slide on ice and sometimes can't get traction on snow. There are snow boots made for dogs and he can learn to walk in them. This will also help protect him from treated roadways.

This year, December 22nd has been set aside for Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day. To this end, Morton, the salt company, is making a $20,000. donation to the ASPCA to help continue their work and help promote wellness. Additionally, from October 1. 2011 through January 31, 2012, for every unique "like" on Morton's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MortonSalt?ref=ts&sk=app_291464790880143), the company will donate $1. to the ASPCA, up to $55,000. which is impressive in this economy.

Be sure to use a pet safe ice melt on your own driveway and walkways. But remember that not everyone will be as conscientious as you so keep safety in mind on those walks.

Have a Happy and Safe Winter!