*Cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
*Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep your pet's pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe her feet with a washcloth when she comes inside.
*Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol
*If your pet lives outdoors, provide a dry, draft-free shelter. If they are acclimated to outdoor living, this may be sufficient as long as a fresh, unfrozen water source and food are provided daily.
*Be cautious when near a pond or lake. Dogs can easily fall through the ice, and it is very difficult for them to escape on their own.
*If you light a fire or plug in a space heater, remember that the heat will be as attractive to your pets as to you. Keep an eye out to make sure that no tails or paws come in contact with flames, heating coils, or hot surfaces. Pets can either burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire household in danger.
*Take particular care with elderly and arthritic pets during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and tender, and they may have more difficulty rising or moving around than usual.
*Unless your pet is in good health, limit their outdoor time. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease can compromise a pet's ability to regulate her own body heat.
