Keep Pets Warm - Big Y® World Class Market®

Winter brings special challenges and needs for our pets. Pets that live outdoors must have a warm place out of the wind, rain, snow and sleet and have a source of fresh water and food. Dogs living indoors need outdoor walks for exercise and entertainment, and must be outfitted to take extremes in temperatures. Aged indoor cats and dogs often need addtional cover and insulated beds where drafts are common and floors are cold.

Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet. Check their water for ice formation and remove the ice. Use ceramic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
Indoor pets should be provided with a warm, dry area free from drafts. Provide bedding off cold floors and wash weekly if possible.
Outdoor pets should have dry shelter out of the wind, that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. Bring cats and dogs into the house if the weather conditions are rainy , snowy or weather conditions are severe.
Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them.
Staying warm requires extra calories, pets may need more food or a change in diet. Talk to your veterinarian about your pets needs.
Remove ice, salt, mud, snow from your pets coats and feet as soon as possible. If the skin looks reddish, white or grey in cold weather, may be scaly or peeling, suspect frostbite if the weather has been really cold. Talk to a veterinarian immediately.
Special attention should be paid to hair coats and daily or weekly brushing (as needed) should help your pet and you be happier.
Cats and kittens like to nap on warm places, this can include car engines! Knock on the hood of your car or truck or honk the horn, then wait a few minutes before starting the engine. If in doubt, open the hood and look.
Antifreeze smells good and tastes very sweet, very small amounts can kill your pet. Symptoms may not show up for a few days and may be too late. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers where pets and children can't get to them. Look for a non toxic antifreeze.