Weather extremes can be deadly to pets. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the hot and cold months.
Hot weather
- Never leave your pet in the car. A car can become several degrees hotter than outdoors, even with the windows open.
- Don't force your pet to exercise. They do not cool themselves the same way humans do, and will become overheated in a matter of minutes.
- Don't force your pet to walk on hot asphalt without paw protectors.
- Don't leave your pet in the yard or beach without shade.
- Certain breeds of dogs, brachycephalic or short nosed dogs such as bulldogs, boston terriers, and boxers, require special attention. They should be kept indoors in air conditioning because they tend to overheat easier than other breeds.
- Do not let your pet ingest any poisons such as insecticides or anti-freeze. Call Animal Poison Control if this occurs: 1-888-426-4435
Cold weather
- Keep pets, especially cats, indoors. They can freeze to death during the winter months.
- Be cautious of cats sleeping under the hood of your car. Starting of an engine can be very dangerous to a cat.
- Be sure to wipe the snow or ice from your pet. The snow can cause skin to dry out and crack. They can also ingest salt from licking/grooming themselves, which can be harmful.
- Never leave your pet in a car.
- Some short-haired dogs and hairless cats may require a sweater.
- Puppies are more intolerant to cold weather than adults. This may make house training difficult. Please be patient, and maybe try paper training indoors until spring time.