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Winter Pet Care Tips

Winter most certainly has its charms, but it also brings a series of potential hazards for people and pets alike. For you, out come the sweaters, hats, gloves, scarfs, and more. But what about your pets? Well, here’s what we can tell you for sure: their fur and other natural defenses often aren’t enough to protect them from harm. Fluffy and Fido safe and warm.

• If your dog or cat enjoys the outdoors, get them acclimated to the colder weather and make sure they don’t stay out too long, especially if the temperature is below freezing.
• Consider a sweater or jacket for short-hair or smaller breed dogs.
• Watch for signs of frostbite, typically found on the tail, ears, and footpads.
• Many outdoor cats will try to find warmth and shelter under a car or even a car hood. If you don’t know where your cat is, bang loudly on the hood before starting your car.
• Check and clean your dog’s paws after each walk. Road salt, snow, and ice can collect and cause cracking or irritation. Or, simply protect paws with booties.
• Never leave your pet alone in a car on a cold winter day.
• While it may taste like a sweet treat to your cat or dog, anti-freeze could cause serious injury or even death. Be sure to clean up any spills in your garage and keep all containers out of reach.
• It’s hard to tell if a frozen pond can hold your pet’s weight, so it’s best to avoid them.
• If you must keep your dog outdoors, make sure he has a proper abode, one that is slightly elevated, insulated, water tight, and has plenty of room for your pet to move around.

Of course, the best way to protect people and pets alike is with a heating system that’s as fit as it can be? How can you ensure that? By having it professionally cleaned and inspected by Messmer Mechanical. Think of it as preventive maintenance that helps to eliminate repairs, reduce your home heating costs, and provide added safety. Contact us today for more information or to request service.