Pet tips: Cold weather

The weathermen are predicting another blast of cold weather hitting Shoreline/Lake Forest Park this week.

For people keeping warm and safe in subzero temperatures is easy – a hot cup of coffee, warm mittens, go inside and sit by the fire.

For our furry friends it is up to pet owners to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of our companion animals.

The Humane Society suggests these tips to help keep your pet safe during the cold weather:

• Don’t leave pets outdoors, they are safer indoors except when taken out for supervised exercise. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Check your pet’s water dish often to make sure the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when temperatures are low a pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any stow-a-ways, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful in ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before they start licking them.

Other seasonal advice the Humane Society reminds animal lovers during winter weather:

Antifreeze is a deadly poison with a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up all spills and store antifreeze along with all household chemicals out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, however, protect them with a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

If you're feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter is available at www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats.

The best prescription for this cold snap is to keep your dog or cat inside with you. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out for frequent walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave your companionship.