Volume 13, Issue 02
Page 9
The PEACEKEEPER
The Dog Kennel
PETS continued from pg. 8
veterinary nutri onist in Georgia. Not only does your pet risk frostbite and
other danger if his canine clothes get wet, he may "try to get out of the
sweater or coat and get caught in a way that makes suffoca on a risk." Mon‐
itoring your dressed‐up dog is essen al.
Pet Winter Safety: Should Your Pet Dress for the Weath‐
er? con nued…
While you're at it, keep an eye on your pup's pads too, Sonnenfield
says. "It does not take long for snow to freeze on their paws and cause prob‐
lems." Salt‐spread sidewalks can also imperil your pooch's pads by burning them. If you go the route of protec ve
boo es for your dog, try slipping baby socks onto his paws to get him used to the feel of something on his feet. Once
your pooch accepts the socks, he's probably ready for booty bling.
A quick note about dog boots: Be sure they fit snuggly but not too ght. Otherwise you risk cu ng off your
dog’s circula on and invi ng frostbite.
Pet Winter Safety for Very
Young and Older Pets
Dog boots, cute coats, flashy collars, and leashes ‐‐
these are all meant to be used with healthy, adult pets in
winter.
Puppies and ki ens as well as older dogs and cats
shouldn't be outside no ma er how well‐dressed. That's
because they just don't have the fat, metabolism, or the full
fur coat they need to stay warm when temperatures
plunge.
When it's cold or wet out, veterinarians say it's vital
to keep younger, older, and sick pets indoors.
Cats and Cold Weather: Transi oning an Outdoor Cat Indoors
Feral, abandoned, and lost cats: Many of us do our best to care for these cats year‐round, but winter can be
an especially tough me for an outdoor‐only feline. Fortunately, some cats can be transi oned to the indoors, but
you'll need to "start the transi on several months before you an cipate really cold weather," McGeorge says.
The best me to begin the change is late spring or early summer when it's warm enough to leave a door or
window open, she says. Then you'll need to "coax the cat in with food or treats. But leave the door or window open
so he or she can easily escape."
Once the cat is accustomed to coming inside for food, start giving meals inside. Close the door or window
while the cat is ea ng, but open it immediately if she gets panicked and wants out. The goal, McGeorge says, is to
gradually let the cat see that coming indoors is safe and comfortable.
See PETS continued on pg. 10