Getting ready for Winter

Before we know it, winter will be here. In most states the temperatures are dropping and the leaves on the trees are even starting to change color. This means it is time to prepare our pets for some of the dangers that these colder months pose. With a little extra caution and these words of wisdom, you can be sure you and your pets stay safe and warm this winter season.

Be more cognizant of leaving your pets outdoors when the temperature drops. These drops in temperature can have a drastic effect on your pet. Pay particular attention to young, old and shorthaired animals. If they must be outside for an extended period of time such as for exercise or a walk, you can use a doggie sweater or coat to help aid them in keeping warm.

If you have a working dog, or one that primarily lives outdoors, there are certain things you should do to help him stay warm. Provide a shelter with extra blankets that they can retreat too. It is also important to give them extra food. Keeping warm in the winter takes extra energy and more food will give them the energy they need to stay warm. Don’t use metal food or water dishes. The metal could freeze and then stick to your dogs tongue. Also make sure that the water has not frozen. Check it often and if the water is constantly freezing, this is a good sign that it is even too cold for your dog to be out there.

Be aware of the chemicals you use to melt ice and to keep your car working. Salt and deicer can irritate your animal’s paws and they may lick to clean them. When they lick, they can transfer the chemicals to the mouth causing more problems. To prevent this, wipe your animals paws with a damp cloth when they come in from outside. Another potentially deadly chemical is antifreeze. This chemical has a sweet taste that can attract animals and even children. Clean up spills quickly and keep bottles out of reach or out of areas where your pets and children can get to them.

Warm engines in parked cars can attract small animals including cats. To avoid problems, bang on the hood of your car before starting it the next time you go out. This should scare any beings taking a nap in the engine compartment.

Rabies Prevention

While rabies in domestic animals in North America is mostly extinct, it is still rampant in other parts of the world. 55,000 deaths are related to rabies each year worldwide. A majority of these cases come from Asia and Africa. North America reports the least amount of cases with about 10 each year. Children are the most common victims. World Rabies Day is put on each year to remind us of the dangers of rabies

World Rabies Day happens in September of each year and is meant to raise awareness of this preventable disease. Information is disseminated and ideas are traded to make people more aware. This is a world wide organization so you can look for local events to help you become more informed. For more information please visit www.worldrabiesday.org.

Rabies is still a concern in North America because of the interaction between domesticated pets and wildlife. Rabies is most common in raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. An unvaccinated dog can still contract this disease and infect humans. Because of this, many areas make it the law to have your pets vaccinated each year. If you suspect that a rabid animal has taken residence near your property, contact authorities immediately. Never attempt to handle a rabid animal on your own. Be sure to have your pet checked each year and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. For more information contact your local veterinarian.