PUPPY TALK
8 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR
PET WARM THIS WINTER
B
aby,
it’s
cold
outside!
Temperatures are quickly
dropping in the valley. With
news folks chatting about
winter weather and freeze warnings on
just about every channel, we thought it
would be a good idea to send some tips
your way to help you make sure your
pets stay warm, healthy and happy in
the chilly days ahead!
Never leave your pet alone in the
car! In the winter, the car can become
a refrigerator, causing your pet to freeze
to death.
Inside is the place to be! Never leave
your dogs or cats outdoors. If they get
too cold or wet, they can get sick, just
like you!
Put the clippers away! Never shave
your dog down to the skin in the winter
— his coat will provide warmth. And
if your dog needs a bath, dry him off
completely before taking him outside
on a walk.
Keep your pets hydrated! Trying to
stay warm will take up a lot of your pet’s
energy. Make sure there is always fresh
water available for your animals! Don’t
forget — your pet will need extra food
during the winter months, too!
Heading for a snowy hike at Mt.
Charleston? Don’t let your dog off
leash. Dogs can lose their scent easily
and become lost in the snow. Don’t
forget to make sure your pet wears an
ID tag and has a microchip (with up-to-
date owner information linked to it).
Dress for the season. Have a
shorthaired dog? He may be more cozy
in a doggie sweater during walks. Try to
find a coat or sweater with a high collar
(think turtleneck style) and coverage
all the way to the belly. Just because
you’re a pup doesn’t mean you can’t be
fashionable!
Be cautious when you start your
car. The warm engines of parked cars
are a magnet for outdoor cats. They
love sleeping under the hoods when
it’s cold outside, but when the motor
starts, the kitty can be injured — or even
killed — by the fan belt. Bang your hood
loudly before start the car so cats have a
chance to move away!
Cozy up! Just like you, your furry
companion wants a warm place to
sleep. A dog or cat bed with a blanket
or pillow away from drafts is purr-fect!
(Don’t forget — our shelter pets want to
stay comfy, too! Donate new and genty
used linens to help them stay happy and
healthy during the winter!)
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