 | Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com. |
Animals, Reptiles & Insects
2012-11-19 11:41:56
How can I keep my pet safe in winter?
Q- What are some important tips to keep my pets safe and healthy this winter?
A- Keep pets indoors, especially cats, as much as possible in cold weather. You should shorten exercise walks for dogs and if you are cold then they will be too. Safe outdoor temperatures will vary by breed and size and if they must be outside, provide adequate shelter.
Make sure that your pet always has fresh, non-frozen drinking water. Animals who don't have clean accessible water will turn to puddles where they can drink deadly antifreeze, oil and other chemicals. If you live near a pond or lake, be especially careful of ice. Animals can easily fall through the ice and it is difficult for them to escape. Keep them on a leash or stay with them when outdoors.
When the weather cools, cats like to sleep near a warm car engine, curling up on or under the hood. Honk or rap on the hood before you start your car or truck engine. Pets who go outdoors can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. Clean pads thoroughly after a trip outside.
Safety tips during the Holidays include securing the holiday tree by anchoring the top of the tree to a wall so cats and large dogs don't knock it over. Make sure all presents accessible to pets are securely wrapped, and don't use ribbon or raffia. Also don't leave candy, especially chocolate, under the tree. Clean up pine needles under live trees as they could damage pets' intestines. Keep all ornaments well out of pets' reach and don't use tinsel.
