HSCO offers cold-weather tips for safe, healthy pets

As frigid, below freezing temperatures and rain 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 temperatures drop, also consider the wind-chill factor. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose, and feet if left outside. 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.

Make sure a cat has not crawled under your car seeking shelter and warmth near the engine. Tap on hood before starting the engine. Dog jackets and sweaters are more than fashion, they will keep small, senior and single coated dogs warm. Watch your pet around heating stoves to prevent burns and dehydration. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paws. Buy “pet safe” ice melters. Wash off paws if pets have walked through chemicals. Booties allow your dog to walk in the snow and prevent injury from ice. Keep antifreeze, salt and other household poisons away from pets. Horses, chickens and other livestock need winter care too:

-Make sure there is clean, dry bedding. Moist bedding can cause 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 http://www.hsco.org.