Winter warnings to keep your pet safe

The days are getting colder and, according to the calendar, winter will officially be here in less than two weeks. The transition from fall to winter can be quite jarring. Within a very short amount of time, especially here in New England, you can go from wearing short sleeves to shoveling snow. As we head into the colder weather, it is important to make preparations for our pets so they can be safe and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Water Dishes

It may not dip below freezing during the day yet, but overnight the temperatures can get pretty low. If your pet spends any time during the day outdoors, remember to check his water bowl regularly to ensure that it has not frozen solid overnight. To be extra safe, take the water bowl inside at night so it never has a chance to freeze. If you pet spends a lot of time outdoors, invest in a water bowl heater.

Winter Coats

As the days get colder, we will all be bundling up in our gloves, hats, and coats. Just like us, our pets get cold in the winter weather, too. Despite wearing fur coats, our pets sometimes need a little extra help to stay warm. After all, our pets are accustomed to living in heated homes, just like us. While some dogs, like huskies, are suited for the cold weather, others, like greyhounds, rely on coats or sweaters. Fit is very important; a sweater or coat needs to fit comfortably enough that your pet can move freely. Not every pet likes to wear clothing, so don't force your pet to wear a sweater if he or she is not interested. Remember that your pet should never be left unsupervised while wearing a coat or sweater. Your pet could suffocate while trying to take the clothing off or suffer from frost bite if the clothing gets wet.

Make Time for Repairs

Before the snow falls, check out any outdoor shelters your pets use to make sure they are in good condition. If you need to make repairs, now is the time to do it. Shelters should be well insulated to protect your pet from the wind and cold.

Helping Feral Cats

This is the time of year when people start to panic about the safety of the feral cats in their neighborhood. As the temperature drops, it's natural to be concerned about the wellbeing of animals that are outdoors all the time. However, feral cats are not indoor pets and prefer to be outside, so "rescuing" them by bringing them to a shelter is not really in their best interest. Instead, make your own feral cat shelter to give the cats a place to escape the winter weather. Visit the Alley Cat Allies website at www.alleycat.org/wintertips to learn more about making a feral cat shelter. Just like with making repairs to any outdoor shelter you have for your own pets, now is the time to put together a feral cat shelter. Don't wait until the snow starts falling!

Leave Fido Home

Just as the heat of summer is dangerous for pets left in cars, the cold of winter can also be hazardous to your pet. The temperature in your car can dip to quite low when not running and a car left running can potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If your dog cannot go inside with you while you run errands, he will be much happier - and warmer - curled up at home!

Check Under the Hood of Your Car

Stray cats will seek out any warmth they can to get away from the freezing cold temperatures at night. Oftentimes, the heat source they find is your warm car engine. You can help save a cat's life just by banging your hand on your car hood a few times before getting in each morning. This will startle any cat sleeping under the hood and give them a chance to run away before your start your car.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.