Keeping pets warm

Help your clients keep their furry friends safe throughout the winter weather season. Remind clients of these pet care tips:

> Dogs and cats should be kept inside if possible. If dogs are kept outside, they should have a draft-free shelter large enough to stand and turn around in, yet small enough to retain body heat. Use a layer of straw or other bedding material to help insulate pets against the cold.

> Feed outdoor pets accordingly when the temperature drops. Staying warm requires extra calories.

> Clean pets' paws after romps outside. Many people use chemicals and salt on their sidewalks to combat ice. Keeping pets' paws clean will prevent their pads from becoming dry and irritated. If your pet has ingested any of these chemicals, it may show signs of drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.

> Remember to keep your pets on their regular heartworm, flea and tick preventives even during the winter months. Mosquitoes and other parasites can be a year-round problem.