How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

If its 32 degrees or below, limit time for animals to be outside. Keep pets inside for the bulk of day and if anything at the very least overnight.

Know when winter gear is actually necessary. If your town is known for salting or using de-icer on the streets and sidewalks during winter it might be wise to invest in some doggie booties. However if anything clean your pet's paws with some luke warm warm and apply some paw palm. Jackets and sweaters are cute but should only be use on dog with short coats otherwise it's rather pointless. Most dogs will develop a winter coat before it gets too cold, specifically dogs use to being outdoors for a extended period of time.

Monitor working dogs, puppies and older dogs that are primarily outside for long periods or live in outdoor kennels. Ensure outdoor dogs have access to warmth when its really cold. Be it a daft-less covered sheltered with hay for insulation or inside a heated area.

Ensure outdoor cats have access to a safe, warm shelter. Ensure there is adequate drinking supply for outdoor cats 24/7. Always bank on you car hood or physically check under you car hood to ensure a cat has not decided to use the area to keep warm.

Make sure indoor cats stay indoor. If let outside strictly indoor cats ca get confused, freak out and get lost. Which goes to say always make sure your pet has a identification tag and is micro-chipped.

Prepare your pooch for long hikes. Ensure you have enough fresh water and food for both you and you pet.

Store antifreeze in a secure place and if you have a spill near your vehicle, clean up immediately with absorbent material like cat litter. Antifreeze is poisonous to animals!

Don't feed pets holiday dinner scraps. Some foods are poisonous. Fatty foods can give pets upset stomachs and bones can get stuck in their thoughts or perforate their digestive tract.

Keep decorations out of pet's reach. Poinsettias are toxic and garland, strings and tinsel can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.

Ensure your pet is comfortable around people. Have a quiet place set up away from people for pets with anxiety. Make sure your pet does not boly out the door while guests are going in and out of your house.

Christmas Pet Tips

Secure the Christmas tree so doesn't fall on your pets. Put it in a corner

Choose ornaments wisely glass and stringy hangings can harm your pets.

Keep harmful foods away from pets. Onions, chocolate, alcohol, etc.

Avoid giving your pets toys that can be torn pieces, possible choking hazard.

Stay away from deadly holiday plants like holly and mistletoe.

If you have a holiday party contain your pet in a separate area or let your guests know not to give table scraps or encourage bad behavior.

Keep wires and batteries and such out of your pets reach.

If leaving the house unplug decorations and take out the trash to avoid a mess and/or a potential house fire.

Keep candles, potpourri and any artificial "smellings" away. Not good for you or your pet.

If candles are lit keep them up high and blow them out before going to sleep or leaving the house.

Traveling in a car to visit family? Don''t leave your pet alone in the car and stop for breaks.

Keep number for your veterinarian, a 24/7 veterinarian and poison control close by in case of any accidents.

Prevent your pet from slipping out the door. Make sure your pet has a updated tag and microchip.

Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

The Christmas Tree (Real or Fake)

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so your pet doesn't knock it over

Tree Decorations

Avoid tinsel, not only is it messy but your playful kitty could swallow it causing a possible stomach obstruction.

General Decorations

Keep electrical cords and Christmas lights out of reach for chewing puppies.
Glass bulbs, if one breaks clean up all the little pieces immediately so your pet doesn't eat it or step in it.

Turkey Trimmings and Christmas Candy

Do not give your dog turkey bones or fatty trimmings. Innards and possibly the neck are okay just make sure they are cooked. Do not give your dog candy, cookies or any type of sweets especially not chocolate. Chocolate can kill a dog! Same goes for any type of alcohol is a no. No nuts (walnuts or macadamia) for your pets

Christmas Plants

Avoid holly, mistletoe or poinsettia! These plants are poisonous to your pets!

Pet Toys

Got your pet a gift? Make sure it it pet-approved and it can't be swallowed.

Be Safe and Happy Holidays!