❤️🐶 Your dog loves you unconditionally, and your cat graciously allows you to be a part of their life. 🐱💖 As responsible pet owners, we have to take extra care to ensure our fur babies are safe and warm when the winter chill sets in.❄️☃️ Please keep these tips in mind for your pets:
🐾 When it is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to keep your pet indoors. Shorthaired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees. If it's cold to you, it's cold to your pet! Dog sweaters can help your pup preserve body heat in the wind and snow.
🐾 Be aware of salt and other ice-melting chemicals on the streets and sidewalks. They are an irritant to your pet’s paws and may cause injury if ingested. Use a warm moist cloth to clean off any salt or chemical residues after a walk. Consider providing your dog with a set of booties to protect his paws from these harsh and cold chemicals.
🐾 Make sure all outside water sources don’t freeze over. Pets can’t burn the calories they need to stay warm without a fresh supply of water.
🐾 Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to your pet and most brands are poisonous. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed antifreeze.
🐾 Grooming is important; a matted coat will not protect your pet from the cold. Be watchful of ice or salt that may become entangled in long hair and remove it immediately.
🐾 Slap the hood of your car before starting it; cats often climb next to a warm engine during the night to stay warm.
🐾 Keep snowdrifts from piling up next to your fence providing your pooch a way of escape.
🐾 Make sure your pets are microchipped and registration is current.
🐾 If you must keep your dog outside for any period of time provide a dry, draft free shelter.
#IndianaWinter #StayWarmStaySafe #WeatherPreparedness