Winterizing care for outdoor dogs and cats

If you are unable to bring outdoor pets inside, here are tips to help cats and dogs cope with extreme winter weather conditions:

— Make sure there is plenty of deep bedding in their boxes. Cedar chips are ideal, as straw can harbor flea eggs, but straw can be used if necessary. Blankets and rugs are not recommended because they can be dragged out of the box, freeze and become tangled in a rope or chain.

— Make sure the dog box is raised at least 3 inches off the ground. Frozen ground can radiate cold into the box from underneath.

— If possible, nail or tack a flap of carpet or a rug over the entrance to help the animal keep body heat inside and keep cold wind out.

— Face the opening of the dog box toward the east, as most inclement weather comes from the west.

— If possible, place an electrically heated dog pad inside the box.

— Dogs and cats outside require more feedings during the winter months to maintain body weight and calorie intake to help maintain body temperature. Smaller meals several times a day are better than one or two large meals. Fur does not fully protect animals from the cold.

— Water can freeze quickly in cold weather. Offer fresh, warm water (not hot) several times a day to help prevent dehydration. Eating snow is not recommended because it can cause stomachaches and can contribute to dehydration.

— Dogs can have difficulty seeing or smelling their boundaries when there is snow on the ground. Keep a close watch, especially on older pets.

— Cats can survive outside in cold weather if they have enough food and fresh water. Cats may seek warmer places such as a barn or building. If one is not available, provide a sturdy shelter out of the elements with blankets or straw and a smaller opening to help retain body heat.

— Outdoor cats may crawl into warm car engines. Bang on the hood a few times before starting the car.

— Antifreeze is fatal to dogs and cats if ingested. Check garage floors and parking areas for leaks and clean them up immediately.

— If you walk a pet on roads or sidewalks treated with de-icing chemicals, check paws and wipe them with warm water to remove residue before the animal licks them.

— Exercise pets daily to help raise body heat, but limit exercise when temperatures are extremely low to conserve energy. Frostbite can affect ears, eyes, paws, nose and areas without hair. Monitor pets closely.

— You know your pet best. Bring animals inside if they show signs of being too cold. Monitor for hypothermia. Signs include lethargy, weakness, shivering, muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing and fixed, dilated pupils. Seek veterinary care if needed.

Eileen Rohrer is president of the Carroll County Animal Protection League.