Meteorologists are predicting an active winter this year with approximately 25-40 inches of snow expected. It is important to take extra care to ensure that your companion animals are comfortable and healthy throughout the winter season. Dr. Kenneth Drobatz, Chief of the Emergency Service at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, offers the following tips:

* When walking a dog, keep it leashed. Avoid icy walkways, as the animal can slip and pull muscles and ligaments. Slips and falls also can aggravate existing conditions like hip dysplasia. If a dog limps after going for a walk, let the animal rest and monitor the situation. If things do not improve after 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Owners of older or overweight dogs should be particularly careful with these animals when they are walked.

* Short-coated and small breed dogs should wear a sweater or coat to keep them warm when going outside.

* When the snow is deep, clear an area where the dog can relieve itself. Many dogs, particularly small ones, will not relieve themselves in deep snow.

* When shoveling snow, keep dogs away. Many dogs like to jump at the snow as it flies from the shovel. However, in their exuberance, they may run into the sharp edge of the shovel and get cut.

* After a walk, a dog’s paws should be washed and dried because salt and other material spread on sidewalks causes irritation to the feet.

* Dogs get cold, just like people. Do not leave a dog outside for extended periods. In very cold temperatures, dogs should not be left outdoors overnight.

* Cats like to climb onto car motors to hide and find warmth. While hiding on the motor, they also like to lick antifreeze that has spilled around the radiator cap. The ethylene glycol in antifreeze has a sweet odor and taste that seems to lure animals. A very small amount of the liquid can be lethal to cats and dogs. If an animal has had contact with contaminated surfaces, seek veterinary attention quickly. When filling the radiator, wipe up any spillage on the engine and under the car.

* Because cats like to hide under the hoods of cars during cold weather, thump the hood a few times before entering a vehicle and turning the key. That will give the animal time to scamper away and not be hurt by the fan or fan belt.

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