Cold Weather Pet Care

As the some of the coldest weather of the winter moves in Sunday, it’s important to remember that if you’re cold, you’re pets are too.

Love at First Sight’s Ashley Sivils says if you have to keep your dog outside, there are a couple of things that you can do.

1. Build a Shelter:  Whether it’s a tarp or plywood, make sure that your sweet furry friend doesn’t have any moisture exposed to them.  Temperatures drop and moisture prohibits build up of ice and could hurt your pet.
2. Straw:  If your animal is going to be outside, be sure and put some straw in their safe shelter.  Straw is much different than hay and is a super-insulator.
3. Food and Water:  This may sound like a given, but many people overlook it.  Make sure and keep your dogs water unfrozen as possible.  Sivils notes that there is a point that dogs won’t eat, but if you can’t keep their water from completely freezing, keep their food full.  Mixing chicken broth and fat are good ways for your animal to pack on the extra build-up it needs in the cold winter months.
4. Bring them in: You may think that you need to leave your pet outside because they are dirty or will be up all night.  Sheets may be washed and floors may be swept, but pets will not be here forever.  Whether it’s your garage, basement, or bathroom, in these beyond freezing temperatures, your pet will thank you.

Those are just a few life-saving tips that you can do to keep your pet healthy.  For more information on Love at First Sight, visit http://www.lafspetadoption.com/.