With snow, sleet and rain falling across most of the country, it’s a good time to think about keeping your pet safe in winter weather. Here are some tips from the ASPCA:

Keep your dog close. Don’t let your pup off the leash when walking on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs go missing during the winter than any other season, so be sure yours wears ID tags in case he gets loose.

Towel-dry. When you bathe your dog in the winter, dry him off completely before taking him out for a walk so he stays warm.

Take care of sensitive pets. Puppies don’t tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, so they may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If yours seems bothered by the weather, paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold because of its age, illness or breed type, limit his outdoor time–take him outside only to relieve himself.

Clean up. After a walk, wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach. He could ingest salt or antifreeze (a deadly poison for dogs and cats) while licking his paws, and his paw pads may bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Get cozy. Give your cat or dog a pet bed, blanket or pillow–he should sleep in a warm place, off the floor and away from drafts. And, when taking your pup for a walk, dress him in a dog coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck.

Don’t leave Fido in the car. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing your pet to freeze to death.

Keep cats indoors. Kitties can freeze if left outside.

For more tips, click here.

SEE ALSO:
Give your pet a quick bath
Sweep away cat hair
Play a game, save an animal
Save on your pet’s healthcare

Posted by Emily Hendricks, Relationships Editor

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