Cat in a blanket. Courtesy/LAPD
LAPD News:
• Keep cats INSIDE. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost, stolen, injured, killed, or exposed to infectious diseases.
• During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the HOODS OF CARS. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If such cats live in your area, bang on the hood before starting the engine to give them a chance to escape.
• Never let your dog OFF LEASH on snow or ice; dogs can lose their scent and become lost. More dogs are lost during winter than any other season, so make sure yours wears ID TAGS.
• Wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals while LICKING HIS PAWS; his paw pads might also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
• Never shave your dogs down to the skin in the winter; a LONGER COAT will provide more warmth. Consider dressing short-haired breeds in coats or sweaters.
• When you BATHE your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.
• Never leave your dog or cat ALONE IN A CAR. A car holds in the cold and causes the animal to freeze to death.
• Puppies do not tolerate cold well and can be difficult to HOUSEBREAK during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you might opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness, or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
• If your dog spends a lot of time playing outside, increase his supply of food—particularly PROTEIN—to keep him (and his fur) in great shape.
• ANTIFREEZE is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle.
• Make sure your pet has a WARM PLACE TO SLEEP, off the floor and away from drafts.
