Cats and Dogs in the Great Outdoors in the Winter Time

Cold weather and safety tips for cat owners:

If you can, it is important to keep cats inside in the winter when temperatures are below freezing. Out doors, cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, or be injured or killed. They will do anything or go any where to stay warm. They will hop into a mail truck, or UPS trucks that have the doors open, crawl up under the engine of a newly parked car to get warm from the motor.(to rescue a cat from this situation, remember to bang on your hood before starting the vehicle). They can get into a visitors car with its window cracked open and drive for miles unnoticed, quietly curled up on the back seat or floor. If it is a delivery truck, the driver will have no idea who the cat belongs to and probably chase it out on a distant stop. In the winter the snow on the ground prevents them from picking up their own scent to find their way back home when they are lost and while their homing instincts are wonderful, the bad weather could set in and the animal could suffer. If you have a cat or two that is an out door cat and it must remain that way, there are dozens of inexpensive cat doors on the market, that can be easily installed in a basement or shed door, that will provide them with shelter from the cold winds.

Provide a free style feeding program with a constant supply of healthy dry formula cat food to help keep their body temperatures high.

In the winter, it is a good idea to make sure you have a securecollar with I.D. tags on your cats. This could mean the difference in getting a lost cat home or not.

Cats are more inclined to avoid the cold than dogs, therefore dogs are a high risk.

Dog and Puppy Safety Tips for Cold Weather

Dogs are dogs, you know what I mean if you have one (or two or three or four).  They are darling delicate rascals that play until they drop, get into everything they shouldn't, and can be distracted by a snow flake. In the cold weather, it is advised that dogs be taken on lots of short walks, rather than long ones. Their lung tissue is very delicate and close to the mouth opening and they will pant in the winter time if they run or get over heated. When this happens in very cold weather, they can chill from the inside out and develop breathing problems later on. Their paws, even though tough looking, can freeze and frost bite if left in bitter cold temperatures too long. Always keep your dog on a secure leash when in the park in the winter.  You may think that if he runs off you could follow his tracks but there had been many hundreds of dogs lost in snow storms and never found again. More dogs are lost in the winter,  than any other season.They too, lose the scent of their trail in the snow.If your dog enjoys a good run in the snow, provide a long retractable leash to insure his safety.

 Today, there are walking boots for dogs, to protect the pads of their feet from winter road salt and the cold. Most folks have to adjust to the fact that they are putting clothes on a dog. "A dog? Who ever heard of dressing a dog?", I said to myself. Then you try it, and it brings a smile to your face. Then it brings a smile to your dog's face and then you will start looking for cold weather excuses to baby your dog. Smile! If you have a short haired dog, a winter sweater is a must. I started with a plain knit that was the same color as their hair coats.. The walking dog should have a dog coat, preferably with a high collar or hood. The coats should cover their entire backs to the tail as well as their belly., especially if they are rough and tumble types.While this may seem like a luxury, it is often necessary for dogs, as their body heat can drop rapidly.

If you can't bare the thought of putting boots on your dog, be sure and wipe the paws and legs after a walk in the rain, snow or ice. Salts can make a dog very sick if he licks the burning salt from the pads of his feet and just a small amount of anti freeze can kill your pet. Safety salts can be used around your own home where your pet travels most of the time.More and more people are using animal friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather the traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Be sure and call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.

Puppies can not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. It is believed by some that animals most fertile breeding season is in the spring, so that the young are raised in the warmth of the summer. Puppy are difficult to housebreak in the winter, so if you have a little winter guy, be sure and stock up on Wee Wee pads. Dog crates are a handy winter tool as well.

Make sure your companion dog has a warm comfortable place to sleep far from drafts and up off of tile floors, such as on a dog or cat bed, platform bed or dog basket with a warm dog blanket and pillow .If you can keep it near a heating register if available. If the area is not heated, there are many durable heated dog beds and pads for the animal today. Try to leave their beds and dog dishes in the same spot year round. If they are moved, you will find your dog sleeping on a chair or sofa. If your dog is already spoiled to a chair or sofa and you want him to stay in his bed, there are many dog training products available to deter those habits and you will find them back in their beds sooner than later.

 The dog that has to stay out of doors, even in winter, needs the most special and consistent attention, of all. There are a few things that are necessary to protect him that are a must. First is a strong large safe dog house, that is large enough for two dogs. This is because dogs desperately need the company of others, whether it be people or a dog friend.  Secondly, their water must never be allowed to freeze. If their house is moved to a sheltered location near or up against  your house and near an electrical outlet, they can survive the winter. These days, there are heated water dishesand heated dog beds to use.  It is very important that the cords not be allowed to be available for your dog to chew but usually a barrier can be built to protect the wires Common sense should explain a lot.  Provide lots of chewbees and natural treatsfor him to pass the time. Pig ears are a wonderful winter treat because they are high in fat and can help keep him warm in cold weather and well as occupy their time. You will need to keep food in his dish so that he is never hungry. The out door dog needs the best quality of foods and checked on very often to make sure he isn't dehydrated from diahrrea or sickness. Pneumonia can set in unannounced.

This guide should not close without giving attention to the traveling dogs. Many dogs today are companions on long trips as well as short trips in automobiles. Most dog owners are aware of car harnesses, goggles and car seats for dogsfor dogs but how many of us over look to long cold weather trip that could end in disaster for our pet if the car is stranded in an accident, snow storm or simple break down. I recommend a safety kit for your pooches comprised of articles for your pet in an emergency. Some things to consider would be a dog coat, boots, leash, water bottle, and a heating pad that would plug into a cigarette lighter. Some extra natural treats to keep him quiet while you go for help might be handy as well. A warm blanketto pitch like a tent in the car would be helpful to keep the heat in also.  Remember that their body temperature can drop rapidly.

Remember too, that what your pet wants to snuggle up to you most of all, so when you find yourself relaxing with your favorite blanket, open it up and see who hops in. Chances are your dog is sitting at your feet or close by right now. Ask him or her what they think about all of this.