WINTERIZING YOUR PET

How to protect your pet during the winter months--keeping him clean, safe and healthy

New York, New York December 12, 2003-The cold days of winter can be agonizing if youre not prepared for the weather. As you dig into the closet for your hat, gloves, and scarf, dont forget your pet. Protect your animal throughout this season. Pet expert and columnist Charlotte Reed provides on how to keep your pet warm, safe and well groomed during the harsh days of winter.

1. Keep your pet warm.
    Indoor pets should have an appropriately sized bed that is kept in a warm, draft-free place in the home.
    Outdoor pets should have an insulated pet house or shelter with a door that keeps out winter winds. Most houses are made of plastic, cedar, or pine and can be heated for added comfort.
    Keep all bedding clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew, which could lead to respiratory and skin ailments. Consider purchasing an outdoor bed made of water-resistant fabrics.
    Pet clothing helps dogs retain body heat. Consider buying a warm sweater or coat for your pooch, especially if it is young, elderly, or shorthaired.
    Staying warm requires extra calories. If necessary, increase your pets food supply, and discuss with your vet whether you need to supplement your animals diet with vitamins.

2. Develop winter grooming habits.
    Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach after coming in from the rain or snow.
    Cleaning foot pads with warm water and drying them with a towel will prevent damage from salt; it will also reduce possibility of your animal ingesting chemicals from the streets if he licks his paws.
    Keep nails and foot hair trimmed regularly. It is difficult to maintain solid footing with long nails in icy conditions. Also, keeping the hair between the toes and the pads trimmed will prevent the hair from collecting snow and forming ice balls.
    If necessary, purchase waterproof dog boots. Paws can also be protected by Mushers Secret Paw Wax, a formulated wax that seals cracks in the pads and protects a dogs paws from salt and weather conditions.
    Daily brushing prevents matting and ensures a healthy, shiny, and clean coat. (It also removes dead hair before it ends up on the furniture.)
    Keep your pet clean and prevent dry, itchy skin in the winter months by bathing him with a mild pet shampoo regularly.

3. Danger!
    Make sure that your outdoor pets water stays unfrozen. Regularly provide your pet with fresh, clean water.
    Avoid frostbite. Keep your pet out only as long as it takes for the animal to relieve himself. If you suspect your cat or dog has frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately!
    Keep your animal away from antifreeze. Its a dangerous chemical, the taste of which pets find appealing. Ingesting even a small amount can be fatal, so if you suspect your animal has come into contact with it, visit the nearest animal hospital immediately.
    Protect your pet from burns. Keep him at a safe distance from the oven, space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces.
    To escape the winter elements, cats have been known to sleep under the hood of a car. Before starting your ignition, bang loudly on the hood and sides of the car to scare him away if he is in there.
    During the winter, never leave your animal alone in the car; even a short time in the extreme cold is dangerous. Your pet can develop hypothermia, or worse, freeze to death.
    Winter is an easier time for pets to get lost, stolen or hurt. Keep your cat inside during winter months; dont let your dog stray far from home. Cats can easily freeze outdoors in decreasing temperatures, and dogs can lose their scent in the snow and ice and get lost.
    Identification is imperative. Your pet should always wear identification tags with your name, address and telephone number.

About Charlotte Reed:
Charlotte Reed is the owner of a New York-based complete pet care service, Two Dogs & A Goat. She writes columns for American Magazine, Fido Friendly and The Resident. She has shared her expertise with millions of people through her Pet-Owning Made Easy series of booklets and her appearances on CNN, Good Day New York, Fox Pet News and other TV shows. She is currently writing two books on pet-related topics, focusing on pet etiquette and bonding with your pet.

For more information, visit www.twodogsandagoat.com or call 212-213-6979.

###