<![CDATA[Blog]]> http://apetshoppe.com/blog/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:33:38 +0000 Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Caring for Your Pet in Winter]]> http://apetshoppe.com/blog/blog/ Considerations for  Caring for Your Pets in Winter

It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. They should be kept in a draft-free, warm area with their bed elevated slightly off the floor. During cold weather remember:

 
  • Shelter should be insulated or heated; there are many varieties of outdoor heated pet beds on the market today and this should be a consideration if your pet is kept outside. 
  • Shelter should be elevated off the cold ground to prevent moisture accumulation and should have a door of some kind to keep out the wind, sleet, and snow
  • Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm – feed your pet according to its needs when the thermometer drops
  • In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside
  • Be sure to remove snow and salt from your pet’s paws
  • If your pet exhibits signs of frostbite (skin is red, gray or sloughs off), administer first aid (see First Aid section below for more information)

    • First Aid

    It is important to be aware of your pet’s normal behavior, so you can recognize what is not normal. Your veterinarian’s telephone number should be kept with other emergency phone numbers.

     

    During the winter months, it is important to store all snow removal products out of the reach of pets and remove salt from your pet’s paws. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough off. If your pet exhibits signs of frostbite:
  • Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out the frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flush
  • Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care.



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