COLD WEATHER PET TIPS

Animals, like humans need time to adjust to the cold outdoors. Don't leave animals that are usually in the house, outside too long once the weather gets cold, or they may get frostbite on their ears, tailor feet.

Keep your animals groomed this winter. Matted fur does not insulate well from the cold.

Wash your pet's feet if walking where salt is used.

Cats love warm spots -like the motor of your recently run or plugged in car. Bang on the hood before starting your car.

Spilled radiator antifreeze tastes sweet to your pet and can kill. If your pets run loose, you won't know what they've eaten. Clean spills immediately and take your pet to the vet right away if you think it may have licked some antifreeze.

Don't leave your dog alone in the car. It gets too cold and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

Feed your dog additional calories if he spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.

Provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your pet. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach.

Wild birds rely on your feeders. ONCE YOU START TO FEED THEM MAKE SURE YOU FEED THEM FOR THE ENTIRE WINTER.