Keeping Your Pets Safe During Winter

You've winterized the car, the house, and the family with winter coats, rock salt, and other items from the local store, but what about the pets?

Wintertime can be a dangerous season for our furry companions, which is why the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has come out with some handy tips to safeguard our pets.

• Hide the anti-freeze. Ingesting anti-freeze can prove fatal for dogs and cats. Despite its sweet taste, even the tiniest amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. If anti-freeze is spilled, soak it up immediately. (Clay kitty litter does the charm.)
• Load up on the calories. Outdoor pets need more calories in the winter to stay warm, so feel free to add a bit more to their bowls in the coming months. Hydration is key, so put out the water bowl – not ice, please – a few times a day.
• Be mindful of the temperature. Sure your pets have fur, but they can get frostbite, too, especially on their ears, tails, and paws. If temperatures dip below freezing, think twice before letting the pets out.
• Pause for the paws. If you plan on taking the dog on a wintry stroll, check its paws regularly for ice and salt between the toes.
• Pool's closed. Your dog may have enjoyed those nice, refreshing swims over the smoldering summer, but in the winter it may not be the smartest idea. For dog's aspiring to be the next Michael Phelps, keep them on leash around open water or unstable ice.
• Honk the horn. Before starting up your car, honk the horn to make sure no felines – or other furry creatures – are napping in the warm spot under the hood.
• Be pet-conscious when decorating. Keep ornaments out of your pet's reach. Plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and others can be toxic, so be sure to keep them in a safe spot, too.

For more safety information, visit the Rhode Island EMA's website.