2128 State Road 16 ● La Crosse WI 54601 ● (608)781-3466 ● lacrossevet.com

Holiday & Winter Pet Tips

• Keep pets away from antifreeze and other chemicals.  Due to its sweet taste, antifreeze is often readily consumed by pets that find it.  Even just a tiny amount can be fatal for dogs and cats!  Store antifreeze, snow removal products, and other chemicals out of reach from pets and children.  Repair leaky radiators and be vigilant about storing chemicals for pets who spend any time in garages or sheds.  Contact a veterinarian immediately if you pet ingests any amount of chemical! 

• Keep an eye on the temperature  In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be housed outside.  When the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your pet indoors.  Cats, puppies, and senior pets may be more susceptible to the effects of cold weather, so be sure to be extra cautious with them in the bitter cold.  Dogs with short or thin coats may need to wear jackets when outdoors.  For pets who aren’t acclimated to spending time outside in colder weather, limit the amount of time spent outdoors.

• Keep an eye on your pet’s exercise level  We all spend a little more time on the couch during the winter season!  If you pet’s exercise opportunities are limited, you may need to decrease his/her food rations to compensate.

• It’s cold outside!  For pets who absolutely must be housed outdoors, try to make their quarters as comfortable as possible.  Dog houses should be elevated off the ground, insulated, or even heated.  They should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down, but small enough to hold in warmth.  The entrance should be covered with a waterproof door and placed out of the wind.  Line the inside of the house with ample clean, dry bedding such as cedar shavings, straw, and blankets.  Check bedding daily and replace if damp or soiled.  Remember that outdoor pets require extra calories just to maintain their body temperature; feed you pet accordingly in the cold months.

• Wipe your paws!  Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s feet and underbelly when he/she comes back inside from the cold.  Ice melt and other road chemicals can irritate or even burn your pet’s footpads.  If licked off, these chemicals can also cause serious illness.  Snow and ice should also be removed immediately from pet’s feet.  Trimming the fur between your pet’s toes may help to decrease the debris that gets trapped.  Always inspect your pet for frostbitten skin which may look red, gray, or even sloughing off.  Extremities such as the feet, tail, and ears are most susceptible.  If you suspect your pet has frostbite, apply warm, moist towels to thaw the skin slowly until it appears flushed, and contact your veterinarian immediately!  Some pets need boots in cold weather.  If your pet frequently lifts his paws, whines, or stops during walks, he is trying to tell you his feet are cold and sore! 

• Provide fresh unfrozen water at ALL times!  Check water bowls frequently or consider a heated water bowl.  Pets need drinkable water to burn calories.  Without a fresh supply of water, they’ll get cold much sooner.

• Take care of your pet’s winter coat  Matted fur will not properly protect your animal friend from the cold.  Keep you pet well groomed all year round.  If your pet must be bathed, be sure to dry him/her quickly during the cold weather, and check to be sure he/she is completely dry before going outdoors.

• Never leave your pet unattended on or near Halloween  Halloween can be scary for pets too!  Pranks can be cruel and dangerous for pets, especially black cats.

• Only give pets treats that are designed for pets!  Holiday treats may not be for pets!  Your pet can share in your celebrations, but shouldn’t share your treats.  Halloween or holiday candy, candy wrappers, and lollipop stocks can be hazardous.  Chocolate is toxic and should never be given to pets.  Alcoholic beverages, rich, fatty food scraps, and bones from fish, poultry or pork can be deadly.  The holidays are hectic enough without a sick pet or an emergency visit to the veterinarian!

• Keep pumpkins and other decorations away from pets  Keep lit pumpkins out of reach of curious paws and noses!  Not only could your pet be burned, but a tipped over pumpkin could start a house fire.  Pets, especially cats may be mesmerized by the glittering lights, colorful packages, and festive décor the holidays bring.  Be cautious around traditional holiday decorations and gifts such as holiday plants, (see next item for more info) Christmas tree preservatives, ornaments, snow flock, Styrofoam, tinsel, fireplace colors, bubbling lights, snow scenes, ribbons, bows, yarn, electrical cords, and batteries.   

• Toxic plants  Many holidays plants used in decorations or given as gifts can actually be toxic to pets.  Traditional favorites such as mistletoe and holly should be kept out of reach of pets.  See the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants to check specific listings. 

• Give your pet a break from the excitement of the holidays  We all know how stressful the holidays can be.  Pets can experience anxiety related to frequent company, a change in the amount of attention paid to them, and loud noise or music.  Halloween may bring strange people in even stranger clothing knocking at your door and making a lot of noise.  Imagine your pet’s perspective!  Some pets may prefer to be confined to a small room or kennel until the activity subsides.   If your pet likes to answer the door with you, be sure that he/she is wearing proper identification in case of escape.

• Check your car engine for cats!  The cold weather drives cats and even wildlife to seek out warm places.  The shelter and heat from a warm car engine is the perfect cozy spot for a cold animal.  Banging loudly on you hood or honking your horn should give any uninvited visitors the warning that you are about to start your engine.

• Decorate your pet?  Pets can participate in holiday celebrations just as people do.  Many pets may not enjoy wearing costumes or holiday decorations.  If your pet insists on dressing up for Halloween, be sure the costume does not interfere with your pet’s ability to see, hear, breathe, move, or bark.  Never put ribbon or yarn around your pet’s neck.  Holiday collars are a safe alternative and are readily available in all sizes, colors, and patterns.

• Do not leave your pet in the car  Leave you pet at home when you run out to do errands.  In cold weather, your vehicle may act as a refrigerator, sealing in the cold.

• Keep an eye out for snowplows  Many dogs are killed by snow plows every year.  Your dog should be on a leash or in a fenced yard even if the area looks safe.  Many dogs also run away or get lost in the winter months, so be sure your pet always have proper identification so he/she can easily be returned to home.

• Take care of inside pets too  In the colder months, even our indoor pets need special care.  Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep off the floor and away from drafts.  A soft, cozy bed or mattress with a blanket or pillow is perfect!