Winter care tips for pets

I know it is hard to believe that it will get cold here, but we usually have some days when the temperatures drop below freezing. I'm not the only one who's not used to these temperatures. Our pets aren't either.

Most pets can exercise outdoors throughout the winter here in the Lowcountry, but you might need to keep them indoors at night if the weather forecasters are predicting subfreezing temperatures.

If a pet must be outside when it is below 32 degrees, it must have adequate shelter. A dog house should be no more than three times the dog's size. The door should face away from the wind. Blankets and straw can harbor fleas, but this shouldn't be a problem if you clean the dog house weekly and keep your dog on a monthly flea preventive, such as Frontline, Advantix or Comfortis. Cedar bedding smells nice, and fleas don't like it as much. Cats should have access to a similar structure or garage with a cozy bed. Microwaveable heating devices that stay warm for up to eight hours might be a welcome addition in colder temperatures. Avoid electric heating blankets and pads because they are fire hazards, and if they get wet, they can burn your pet badly.

Don't stop flea and heartworm prevention during the winter! Fleas and mosquitoes are active here throughout the winter. I have killed a mosquito in my house in the middle of January, so don't underestimate the power of these parasites to give your pets bad diseases such as heartworms and intestinal worms in the middle of the winter!

Cats like to sleep near warm car engines in the winter. They will curl up near the fan belt, and starting the engine can be disastrous. Be sure you know where your cat is. Bang on the hood and honk the horn before starting your car if you don't.

Also, beware of antifreeze. It takes only a fraction of a teaspoon of this deadly liquid to cause lethal kidney failure in a dog or cat. And they like it! It is sweet, but don't try it even if you don't believe me. This stuff is a very strong poison, so keep it out of reach of pets and children and clean up any spills thoroughly.

Outdoor pets burn more calories in the winter as they use energy to keep warm. If your pet lives or exercises outside regularly, you may need to slightly increase its food intake. Usually increasing the calories by only 10 percent is enough, but some active short-haired breeds might need up to a 25 percent increase. And be sure that the outdoor water supply is not frozen. Avoid metal water and food dishes if it is really cold so that pets' tongues won't stick to the metal. Ouch!

Don't hesitate to use those adorable sweaters and booties for pets. I never thought I would give in to fashion apparel for my pet, but while I was fostering Ginger, a bald and blind Cairn terrier, I outfitted her appropriately for cold weather, and she loved it! Not only did she enjoy the extra coat while we waited for her natural one to grow back, she enjoyed the attention she got in her cute outfits. Booties can keep pets from slipping, but they may be more necessary if you take your pet north to snow and ice.

And don't complain about the extra efforts we need to take for our pets when it is chilly. It will be hotter than Hades in no time, so enjoy the chilly weather and take advantage of the extra spunk in your pet's step and get in some extra exercise this time of year.

Dr. Katherine A. Saenger owns Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Kennel. Send questions to her at vetsaenger@bellsouth.net, or visit www.beesferry.com.