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WINTER AND YOUR

PETS

Store household chemicals dangerous to pets in a pet-proof cabinet. When using these products, make sure your pet cannot gain access. Clean up spills immediately. Antifreeze, for example, smells sweet and animals attracted to it might swallow it.

Ice and snow are no substitute for water. Give your pet a steady supply of clean drinking water — especially if they stay outside. Food can also become trapped in dishes as snow melts and refreezes. Make sure your pet has access to fresh food and water.

Many animals, including cats, sneak up under car hoods to get the benefits of residual heat from the engine. Before starting your car, make some noise. Bang on the hood or honk the horn. The noise gives animals a chance to get out.

Products used to melt road ice can get onto your pet's paws. This can lead to dry, cracked feet, which makes walking painful.  Animals may then lick their sores and ingest various chemicals from the roads. Clean your pet's paws after a walk. Boots and barrier protection creams are another option. Keep fur between your pet's pads trimmed short to keep ice balls from getting trapped between their toes.