by Rhonda Buffington

Created on: October 08, 2010   Last Updated: October 11, 2010

There are several things pet owners can do to help insure a healthy pet when the weather gets cold. Pets need shelter, food and water. Pet owners have to prepare both indoor and outdoor pets for winter. Even a brief exposure to icy temperatures can cause frostbite on their noses, ears and feet. All animals need adequate shelter, especially from freezing weather. Puppies and kittens cannot tolerate cold weather as well as an adult dog or cat.

Animals need more protein when the temperature falls below freezing. It is important to keep fresh drinking water for your pet at all times - even on those bitter cold days - because pets cannot get enough water from eating snow or licking ice. Using a glass or plastic bowl is preferred, because your pet may get their tongue stuck on the stainless steel bowl if temperatures are freezing outside. Ideally, a heated water bowl is best for winter. The important thing is to keep water that they can actually drink; not snow or ice.

Be sure you do not leave antifreeze or any toxic fluids within reach of pets. Pet owners should also keep in mind that salts and chemical de-icers are harmful to pets. The salt that is used on sidewalks can burn their paws. You may want to find a store that sells salts made especially for use around pets. Some pet owners use dog boots to help ensure the salts or other chemicals do not get on their paws.

Remove any snow or ice from sensitive areas such as the pet's belly, legs and feet. Their fur helps protect them, not on the pads on their feet. Small ice cubes can form in the sensitive areas between the animal's toes and toe-pads. Using a warm washcloth, wipe off their feet to remove any salt or harmful chemicals that your pet may ingest when licking their paws.

Indoor shelter is best during extreme winter conditions, but if that is not possible, pet owners can erect a suitable house outside in an area that is protected from the weather or use a heated garage. Adding straw to an outside doghouse will help keep in the body heat, however, if you do not have straw a blanket will work.

However, do not use portable heaters or heat lamps as a source of heat since these may be fire hazards for pets. There are heated mats that you can purchase for pets to sleep on but be sure to read and follow directions.

By monitoring the pet’s condition - and letting them inside if it is too cold - you can assure your pets survival of those bitter cold nights.

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