Some tips from the ASPCA for keeping your pet safe during very cold weather.  Read them as some may surprise you!

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
    
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
    
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

As the cold days of winter come upon us, BluePearl Veterinary Partners recommends taking certain precautions to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer from cold-temperature related injuries.

Dr. Scott Rizzo, a board-certified specialist in internal medicine with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Kentucky, offered this advice:

•     Antifreeze is highly toxic to people and animals. Cats and dogs are attracted to its sweet smell and taste, and will often sample some if left out in a container or spilled on the garage floor. If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. The success of treatment to antifreeze exposure depends on quick action.

•     Dogs and cats get frostbite! Any dog or cat who is exposed to very cold temperatures for more than brief periods of time can develop frostbite.  If pets begin to shiver or their ears, tail, and feet show signs of frostbite such as redness in the early stages and pale, white or patches in more advanced cases of frostbite, bring them inside immediately.

Thanksgiving means plenty of food for humans to feast on and the arrival of family and friends but the holiday can pose serious problems to pets.  During the holidays, veterinary offices often see a significant uptick in pet-related emergencies, many of which are avoidable.  Knowing a few facts can keep them safe.

Some of the problems include gastrointestinal irritations with vomiting and diarrhea, pancreatitis from eating foods high in fat, and an increase in animals being struck by vehicles.

By practicing these safety precautions and tips, you may just save your furry friend’s life: