by Marcie Mattrass

Created on: November 23, 2009

Winter can be a very dangerous time of year for outdoor animals. These animals need special care and preparation if they are going to survive during the winter months. Pets that are older or are babies should get extra special care, or animals with short fur should also be prepped for the winter. If you own a dog who is accustomed to being outdoors it is normally safe for a dog to be outside as long as the temperatures are above subzero. However if your dog is accustomed to being indoors they may not be able to withstand the cold for long periods of time due to the constant heat they receive from being indoors. Most outdoor dogs have a thicker coat and this will insulate and protect them better while in the cold. If you have a dog with a thiner coat you should not leave it out in the cold for long lengths of time.

What you feed your pet in the winter is very important; keep your pet properly nourished. Animals who stay outdoors during the winter months need to eat at least 25% more then what they eat during the warmer months. Giving your pet more food helps them generate more heat; keeping their bodies warm. However if you have an indoor pet you want to give the pet less due to the lack of exercise they will not be getting during the winter.

Any pet should have proper shelter during the colder months. A well insulated place to protect them from the wind. If the shelter has an open door make sure it faces south or south east to help block out the wind. Get a plastic flap to put over the door of the shelter if the opening is totally exposed; this will help block out any wind and keep the inside a little warmer. Line the shelter with hay, straw or blankets. If dampness if a problem; the best thing to line the floor with would be straw.

Animals who stay outdoors during the winter need plenty of water to drink. Do not let your animals drink the snow; they need a clean and fresh water supply.

Dangers to watch out for during the winter; animals often seek shelter and warmth if left out side in the cold to long. They will find heat from different sources; one spot in particular is underneath the hood of vehicles. To avoid any unwanted accidents you may want to knock on the hood or even check underneath the hood to make sure every things all clear. Make sure you do not have any antifreeze leaking around any outdoor animals; this could be very fatal to an animal. If you think your pet may have ingested any antifreeze contact your local vet immediately.

Check on your animals heath daily during the winter months; go out and check to make sure they are behaving as normal. Groom your animals more often during the winter; like humans their skin can also get dry.

If frost bite sets in; treat the area with warm water and get your pet warm and indoors as soon as possible. If you own a horse and are unable to get them into a warmer environment cover them with thick blankets and try to stabilize their heat.

Think of your pet as your would any other family member; you would never leave a family member out in the cold. Bring pets indoors as quickly as possible if their temperatures drop below 15 degrees. If the animal is shivering or not moving frost bite may have set in; get the animal inside and warm immediately.

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