Chicopee Hills Animal Hospital

Bbbbrrrrrrr! Its cold outside!

Here are some tips to help beat the cold with your favourite companions

First of all, you should get a general idea of how much exercise your dog or cat actually needs in a day. Things like breed and age can have a big impact on how active you should keep your pet

Cats generally do well as indoor beings in the winter time, but if they insist on going outside, keep an eye on the time they spend out there, more than 30 minutes in temperatures below freezing can be harmful to your cat

A combination of exercise, interaction with both humans and other pets, as well as opportunities to go to the bathroom is the key to success
If you or your dog are not very cold tolerant, you can get some low cost carpet runners for your hallway and toss a ball for them. The carpet is a non slip option which also helps protect your floor.

Garages and basements are great places to set up make-shift agility courses that will also exercise your dog's brain.
Invite other dog owners to come for walks with you, this way you are motivated to get outside and everyone gets more socialization.

How cold is too cold?

Whenever your dog starts shivering or holding their paws up, its time to go in
If it is below freezing, keep the play time between 10-20 mins, but make sure they still do their business
Single coated dogs might do better outside with a sweater or a coat
Keep an eye out for ice/snow balls that form in between your dog's pads of their feet and pick them out. Also wipe your dog's feet after they come inside and keep an eye out for cracked pads

We will not be selling 2012 City Tags this year. Please contact the KW Humane Society at (519)745-6515 or click here to complete the online license application. We appoligize for any inconvenience.

"Pet Health for Life"

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