WINTER PREPARATION

All outdoor animals should have a safe, warm shelter that is weather proof. 

Shelters should have some type of insulation to help keep your companion warm. Some houses have built in insulation or you can add bedding or even a heating pad. 

Bedding should remain clean and dry. It should be changed out as necessary if it becomes wet or dirty. Types of bedding can include wood shavings, blankets, straw, or a variety of other insulators. 

Fleas and ticks may survive through the winter in warm sheltered places so keep your pets on preventative. You may also use pet safe powders or sprays in their sleeping areas to help control unwanted pest infestations. 

Hydration is important to your pet maintaining their health and body temperature, make sure they have access to fresh, clean, unfrozen water at all times. 

Diet is always extremely important to your pet's health and a little extra food may be required to keep your pet feeling their best. A lot of energy is used to keep warm and the use of more energy requires more fuel. If your pet is on a special or strict diet make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your options before making any changes.

Indoor pets or those with short hair may require sweaters or jackets before going outside. Make sure all sweaters or jackets don't have loose strings or damage that your pet may injure themselves with or choke on. It's a good idea to make sure old clothing still fits comfortably, so a fitting is a good idea before colder weather arrives. 

If you have a heater or fireplace make sure there is some sort of barrier in place to prevent your pet(s) from getting too close and getting burned.

Ensure that your pet(s)' identification and microchip information are up to date. If your pet is not microchipped now is a good time to make an appointment to get one. Microchips and updated contact information help lost pets get home. The quicker a pet can be identified the quicker they can be returned to their own home. 

Remember cats like to get in the wheel wells of vehicles and sleep on the warm tires. Please always check your wheel wells to make sure they are animal free before driving. And honk your horn before starting your engine as cats may be inside the engine compartment for warmth.