Here are some tips to help protect your dog or cat this winter:
1. If the snow is deeper than the height to your dog's knees and elbows, shovel out an area for them to go to the bathroom. If the snow is higher than this, they will have a difficult time walking and may hurt themselves or stop going outside and start inappropriately eliminating in the house.
2. If your pet has long hair between the toes, keep it clipped short. Ice can form little cubes between them and this may be very painful for the pet. When returning from a walk, make sure to wipe of the pets paws to remove any chemicals, salt or ice.
3. When purchasing substances to prevent ice formation on your sidewalks and driveways, read the labels carefully. Be sure to not buy any products that are harmful to pets. Many will say "pet safe" on the label that is easy to read. Large pieces of salt can cut the pads of their feet.
4. Keep dogs on a leash during ice or snow. The colder weather affects their senses and often times pets can get lost and wander away. More pets are reported missing in the winter months for this reason.
5. If your cat has access to the outside, make sure there is a water supply available that is not frozen. In the winter storms, it becomes hard for cats to find the small rodents they usually eat so a fresh food supply should also be provided at all times. Access to barns or garages also makes surviving the winter months better for outside pets.
6. Never leave antifreeze, windshield fluid or coolants within reach of cats or dogs. Ethylene glycol is the main ingredient which is toxic and lethal to pets. These products also taste good to the pets, so do not let them drink from any puddles.
7. Cats like to curl up in warm places during the cold winter, including under your car and car engines. Always check under the car and tapping on the hood or honking the horn to be sure there isn't a cat under you car before you start it up.
Some other helpful links are below:
First Aid Techniques and First Aid Kit Supplies:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php
Companion animals kept outdoors or in other inhumane conditions:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php
Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php
Those are my thoughts!
