Saturday, November 20, 2010

Winter Tips~ Part ll

This week's winter tips are going to talk a little bit about your outdoor pets and those pets with shorter hair coats.

OUTDOOR PETS

These pets are more at risk for developing frostbite injuries and hypothermia. 
*Provide dry shelter with plenty of DRY straw, shavings or blankets.

*Make sure their shelter opening is positioned away from prevailing winds.

*Check and change bedding frequently---Remember, outdoor pets drag a lot of moisture into their shelter from snow, ice, rain and mud.  Wet bedding= inability to keep warm and can lead to hypothermia.

*Keep the water source from freezing---Replenish it frequently or provide a heated bucket/bowl.

*Increase caloric intake---Remember that extra calories are expended in trying to keep warm.


PETS WITH SHORT HAIR COATS

(Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, etc.)  These dogs are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures and should wear sweaters/coats when going outside.

*Avoid prolonged outdoor winter activities with these breeds.

1 comment:

Barb said...

I think the best advice would be "Let them live in the house!" I know some people want to have outside dogs, but I don't get it. :) When I was growing up my best friend had a dog that lived in the garage. He was let out a couple times a day, fed well, brushed a couple times a week, but lived his whole life in the garage by himself. What's the point in that?