I have found a good way to keep dogs and cats warm in the winter by putting hay or straw in their doghouses. Dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite on their paws if they cannot find a warm place to lick off the snow. Keeping your dog or cat protected means you will not have a huge veterinary bill if your animal comes down with frostbite or any other illness.Wal-Mart and pet stores sell heated water bowls for the outdoor areas. Please make sure your pet has fresh water at all times. In the summer months, make sure your dog has shelter from the sun. Dogs do not sweat, so you need to make sure they have a place to get out of the sun. The leading cause of death from heat is cardiovascular collapse, shock, and DIC – Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.Once DIC starts, it is usually fatal. DIC is a bleeding disorder brought on by long-term excess body heat. It is not a good idea to take your dog or cat with you in the car on hot days.If you do need to take your pet with you on hot days, make sure you have water in the car and keep all windows open just enough that they can’t get out. DO NOT keep them in the car for a long period of time, or you may come back to a sick or a dead pet. Heatstroke can happen in minutes. On a 78-degree day, a car parked in the sun can reach 160 degrees in minutes.Remember our pets need us to keep them healthy and happy.”Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains un-awakened.”Anatole France(1844-1924)
