Winter weather, snow and ice, winter chemicals, and outdoor activities can negatively affect your cat and dog. Here is some advice from the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association to help keep your pet safe this winter:

• Prevent Frostbite – When the temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor dogs and cats should be brought into the house. At this temperature, outdoor animals can get frostbite on their noses, ears, and feet. Extra caution should be taken with very young or elderly animals as they are especially sensitive to the cold.

• Provide Suitable Housing – If a dog must remain outside, make sure you provide your furry friend with a dog house. Houses should be elevated a few inches off the ground (the air space creates insulation) and lined with straw, hay, or blankets to help your pet retain body heat. Consider placing a flap over the entrance to keep out drafts. Face the door away from the North or West to avoid cold winds. Dog houses should be cozy and not oversized. A dog’s body warms the environment and a house that is too big cannot be warmed efficiently.

• Check Water Supply – Be sure the water in your pet’s bowl doesn’t freeze. Animals must have access to fresh water at all times, even in the winter. Eating snow is not an acceptable alternative. Use ceramic or plastic water bowls rather than metal. You pet’s tongue can get stuck to a frozen metal bowl, causing pain and injury. [Read more…]