Winter Pet Safety
In Northern Virginia, some days it feels like winter will never end. Old Man Winter has given us a lot of snow these past few months.
Even though it looks beautiful, the cold weather and snow can bring a new set of considerations for caring pet owners.
No pet should be outside in severely cold weather. In moderately cold weather, make sure any animal who ventures out gets extra calories to stay warm. On the other hand, a pet who is suddenly indoors all the time probably needs a little less food to avoid unhealthy winter weight gain.
Outdoor cats (or wild animals, for that matter) can climb up into car engines to enjoy extra warmth. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, check under the hood, slap it, or honk the horn before starting the engine.
After a winter walk, clean your pet’s paws immediately. Packed-in snow can cause frostbite. Salt and other ice-melting chemicals can cause your pet to become sick upon licking paws clean.