Cold-weather tips to keep C.O. pets safe, happy

As snow, wind and freezing temperatures hit Central Oregon, the Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to remind people to provide extra care for their pets.

Pets are best kept inside. Bring your pet inside when the temperature drops to 32 degrees with the wind-chill factor. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose, and feet if left outside. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paws. Buy “pet safe” ice melters. Wash off paws if pets have walked through chemicals. If your pet must be kept outside:

-Provide a dry, elevated dog house with clean dry bedding and a flap over the opening to

keep drafts out. Heated pet beds are available.

-Make sure the water bowl does not freeze. Heated water bowls are available.

-Outdoor pets need more calories to produce body heat.

Keep antifreeze, salt and other household poisons away from pets. Make sure a cat has not crawled under your car seeking shelter and warmth near the engine. Tap on hood before starting the engine. Booties allow your dog to walk in the snow and prevent injury from ice. Dog jackets and sweaters are more than fashion, they will keep small, senior and single coated dogs warm. Indoor pets get less exercise and expend less energy keeping warm, so feed them less. Watch your pet around heating stoves to prevent burns and dehydration. Horses need winter care too:

-Make sure your horse has clean, dry bedding. Moist bedding can cause foot infection.

-Make sure water in trough does not freeze.

-Have hooves checked and prepared for winter.

Protect your pets with preventative care. For more information call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541 382-3537 or visit www.hsco.org.