Pet sitter offers cold-weather tips for pet owners

Andover - During the winter, pets may fall victim to a number of problems brought on by the change in weather, including improper shelter, lack of fresh water, antifreeze poisoning, frostbite and hypothermia. The following suggestions from Home Sweet Home Pet Sitters LLC of Andover will help keep pets happy and healthy during the cold-weather months. Never leave your dog outdoors when the temperature drops. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. The happiest dogs are those that are taken for frequent walks and exercise but kept indoors the rest of the time. If your dog is an outdoor dog, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Provide outdoor cats with a warm bed that does not sit directly on the cold ground or concrete. Check your pet’s water dish often to make certain the water is not frozen. Watch for antifreeze leaks. Antifreeze is a deadly poison with a sweet taste that may attract your pet. Outdoor cats are attracted to warm car engines and may crawl up under the hood to sleep. Bang loudly on your car’s hood before starting your engine. Wipe your dog’s feet when he/she comes in from the sleet, snow or ice before the dog licks them, to avoid irritation of the mouth caused by antifreeze, salt or other dangerous chemicals. Inspect paws regularly to check for cracked or bleeding pads caused by encrusted snow or ice. Consider a coat or sweater for short-hair breeds. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, increase the supply of food because keeping warm depletes energy. Pets are part of the family and are happiest and healthiest when indoors. Dogs and cats are social animals that crave human companionship. For more information, visit on line at hshpetsit.com.