During the winter season nature provides outdoor animals with natural insulation in the form of a denser hair coat and an added layer of fat just under the skin to help retain body heat. This adaptation does not mean, however, that animals are immune to winter cold.  

For outdoor animals snow cover and ice can make it difficult even for large animals to reach their usual sources of food and fresh water.  Think about bringing animals indoors.  Otherwise, remember that animals need more calories to fend off the cold, so in addition to providing daily fresh water, be sure to give them extra food.  

Anti-Freeze is highly toxic Almost all animals like the sweet taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity.  However, antifreeze, even in the smallest amounts (one teaspoon), can have a very harmful and often fatal effect on your pet.  Clean up any spilled anti-freeze to avoid any animal (wild or domestic) from licking it).  If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Though your pets should be inside your home with you, if your pet does sleep in a your garage make sure your radiator is not leaking antifreeze onto the garage floor.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning is another potential problem for pets in the garage, never start your car and let it warm up in the garage without first removing your pet.    

• Ice-free water If you keep any animals outdoors during winter weather, be sure their water supply is checked twice a day to keep it ice-free.  Consider an electric bowl heater to keep water from freezing outdoors.
  
  Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to cold metal.

• Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth.  Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.

• Salt:  Salt used to melt snow can irritate the pads of pet's feet.  After a walking on a pavement treated with salt or chemical snow removers wipe off your dogs feet (before they lick their paws) with a damp cloth.

• Bang the hood of your car several times before starting the engine to alert any cats or other small animals that may have crawled inside for warmth.  Fan belts continue to cause horrendous injuries and even death for many cats and small wildlife.

• Dogs in Pick-up Trucks:  It is NEVER appropriate to transport a dog in an open pick-up truck - but especially so in winter.  Wind chill plus slippery conditions, which result in higher accident rates, put your dog at risk.  Bring your best friend up-front in the cab - or leave him at home where it is warm.

FROSTBITE:

Signs of frostbite:  Scaling of the skin; leathery feel to skin; whitened, waxy appearance to tissues.

If possible, take your pet to your veterinarian.  If that is not possible, cover chilled pets with blankets and allow them to regain normal body temperature gradually.

Warm water baths — not hot baths —are another good way to gradually warm a chilled pet.  Don’t use electric blankets or heating pads as they can burn your pet’s skin. If your pet is severely chilled or unresponsive, take him to your veterinarian immediately.

Thawing frozen parts is a very painful process and is best done under medical sedation.  

DO NOT apply snow to the affected part; do not rub the affected part; do not burst any blisters. 

HYPOTHERMIA:

Signs of hypothermia: shivering (which will stop as hypothermia increases); stiff muscles; cold to the touch; low pulse rate; low body temperature; fixed and dilated pupils; frozen extremities; lethargy leading to unconsciousness.

Seek veterinary assistance immediately. If that is not possible, move the animal to shelter; warm using blankets or warm towels; immerse frozen parts in warm water (not hot); treat for shock.

 

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS:  If you have set up bird feeders try to continue feeding until natural food is readily available for the birds visiting your feeder.  Though the birds that visit your feeder may visit also other ones in the area they do appreciate a steady source of food.

Do not feed birds bread, they receive very little nutrition from bread and in the winter can die of starvation if fed only bread.  Moldy bread can also be fatal to birds.  It can harbour a fungus which causes Aspergillosis in birds.  This clogs the lungs and can cause lesions on the walls of the stomach and can kill weakened or starving birds.  There is no cure for Aspergilosis.