The cold
weather has finally arrived. Well I say
that, but next week I hear this fur coat will not be the right attire AGAIN.
Either way today it is cold and tomorrow you never know. What I do know, it is
time to go over the winter hazards to make sure all my fellow fur friends are
well taken care of this winter.
There are so
many things to cover when it comes to winter safety, so hopefully I do a good
job. I have been thinking about it since I saw the humans bring out the hot
cocoa topped off with fluffy marshmallows. So pay attention meow, you won’t
want to skim through this one. There are
many pets who reside outside and even though you never know what the Texas
weather holds for us, you can be certain without much warning we can wake up to
freezing temperatures so please make sure outside pets have shelter from the
cold wind. You can put blankets in their
home or even give them a little extra cushion with some hay to help keep them
warm. Also make sure these shelters are protected from precipitation and do not
allow water to get in them. Do not leave
heated blankets or heating pads out for pets because they could chew through
wires and get electrocuted or even burned by these items. Antifreeze is deadly so please, please make
sure you do not have a leak or spill any in the drive way because us pets think
antifreeze is a delicious treat. In addition, there is another car hazard that
is very important to remember. Cats will
climb up under the hoods of your car and turning your car on can become
deadly. Please bang on your hood once or
twice before starting your car to make sure it is free of animals looking for
shelter. If you have short haired dogs it never hurts to buy them their own
coat if you are taking them on walks or if they will be outside for more than a
few minutes. Booties are not only
adorably cute, but can protect your dog’s paws from the cold concrete and avoid
any salt crystals that someone may have sprinkled down from getting into their
paw pads. Lastly we know this month comes with much celebration and decorations
that can be harmful to your pets as well.
Be sure during parties the pets cannot partake in the food or
alcohol. Tinsel and garland can be
choking hazards for pets of all sizes.
Yes, I know my picture shows me enjoying the sparkly red garland, but I
promise, I was supervised at all times.
Ornaments and balls on your Christmas tree may look like a fun toy for
us critters and may result in broken glass etc, so be on the lookout for
naughty behavior and nip it in the bud.
Yes we too sometimes get naughty and forget Santa is watching.
So I hope
all my information was pawsitively helpful and you and all your family have a
wonderful holiday and stay safe this winter.
I think I will doze off and dream of sugar plums and mice now as there
are no creatures stirring and we have no mice in the clinic. That is on the top of my Christmas list as I really
want a mouse! Every year I ask for a mouse and I think Dr. Lorenz tells Santa
that I was naughty because I have yet to see a mouse. So I will end this with
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night, I have mice to count. Those
silly little guys just love jumping over the moon.