DETROIT, Mich — You know to keep warm and bundled up during the winter, but the Michigan Humane Society reminds you that your pets need extra care as well.
Make sure you don’t leave your animals outside for any longer than necessary. That means that smaller or short-haired dogs should be inside if it’s colder than 15 to 20 degrees. Larger breeds or thick-coated dogs can handle it as cold as 0 degrees.
Cats like the warmth of the car engine when it’s cold outside, so make sure you check under the hood, or honk the horn, before starting your vehicle in the mornings.
If you have an outside pet, he will need 10 to 20 percent more food to stay warm. Also, check his drinking water often to make sure it isn’t frozen.
Finally, it’s important to recognize if your pet does have frostbite. MHS says to take notice and call your vet if your animal is cold to the touch, or his paws and ears have become pale.
