ADVICE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Heartworm
Disease: This mosquito-transmitted disease can be fatal to
your dog. In areas that have a year-round mosquito problem, it
is recommended that dogs be kept on a heartworm preventative throughout
the year. After having your dog tested for heartworm by your veterinarian,
ask about heartworm preventatives, available in chewable or pill
form and given daily or monthly.
Housing:
Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours in an
indoor pet, his bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free
area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet
is kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter.
The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate
inside. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas)
to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, you might
block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas
over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions
become severe, bring your pet inside.
Frostbite:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once.
Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be
scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to
a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by
applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue
until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian
as soon as possible; he/she will probably want to evaluate the
seriousness of the conditions.
Snow
Removal Salt: Some substances produced to melt ice
and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients
and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions.
Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's
and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's
paws immediately.
Antifreeze:
Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Precautions
are necessary with all antifreeze products on the
market. Read labels and warning carefully. Thoroughly clean up
spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them
where pets cannot get to them.
Napping
Cats: Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for
warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk
the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle,
a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.
Food:
Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly
when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice
on feeding your pet.
Water:
Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet.
If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently
since it may freeze.
Birds:
Please don't forget our feathered friends during the cold
weather. They need a lot more food to maintain their body temperature
during this season.
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