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Make
sure your pet sleeps away from drafts, preferably in a pet bed.
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A dry, elevated
dog house should be provided for dogs when they are outdoors.
The house should be small enough to be warm from the dog's body
heat, but large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.
Insulation, including a door flap, carpeting, towels, and facing
the house away form the wind will protect against the cold.
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When the
temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep
all dogs indoors, even if a dog house is provided. Short haired
dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors at 40 degrees or
below.
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In fact, to
protect your pet from the dangers of inclement weather and to
prevent your pet from straying far from home, we recommend that
you keep your pets, including cats, indoors on a regular basis.
Unless your pet has adequate shelter and your supervision,
living outdoors can be hazardous to your pet.
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Make sure your
dog and your cat always wear an appropriately fitting collar and
an I.D. tag with your current address and phone number.
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Compare the
amount of exercise your dog receives during the colder months to
warmer months. If your dog is indoors more at this time of year,
he's probably getting less exercise and may need less food.
How-ever, if your pet is outside often in the winter months, he
may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce
more body heat.
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Regularly check
your pet's water to make sure it is not frozen. When your pet is
outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water
available. Ice and snow does not provide enough liquid for an
animal. They can't burn calories without a fresh supply of
water, and if they can't burn calories, they will get cold.
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In their search
to keep warm outdoors, cats take refuge next to a warm car
engine or tire. To alert an animal that may be in your vehicle,
slap the hood before starting your car.
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Keep your pet's
coat well-groomed during the winter. Fur that's matted won't
properly protect your pet from the cold.
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Antifreeze tastes
sweet to pets but is poisonous if consumed. Should a pet ingest
any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Check your car for seepage, too.
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When adding
antifreeze, clean up any spills and be sure to keep this
substance out of your pet's reach. Antifreeze and coolants that
are essentially non-toxic are also available at many auto supply
stores.
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Ice-melting
chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet's feet. Do
not allow your pet to lick its feet after its walked outdoors.
The chemicals may burn their mouth and cause serious problems if
ingested. When your pet comes in from the cold, use a damp towel
to wipe off its feet and underside.
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Remove snow piled
high next to your fence. It can provide a boost for your dog to
jump over and become lost.
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If you suspect an
animal is deprived of adequate food, water, or shelter, call the
Mountain Home Animal Shelter 208-587-2111.