Keeping your pets warm as the weather turns cold
DEBBIE WALKER Sentinel Writer

The time of year is upon us when summers heat blasts have turned to cooler nights, and the temperatures begin to drop as the leaves turn and frosts sets on the fields.

We all have to prepare to winterize our homes. Putting away summer items and tending and cleaning for winter. But what about your pets? What can you do to keep them warm n the colder months? Remember some winter nights even here in the South get extremely cold for a little cat or dog left outside, after all we are still in the mountains. It breaks my heart to see a dog chained up asleep , with frost on his back. Or a little kitten shivering next to a house, where all inside are toasty warm. I know some people do not allow their animals inside at all, but then they should have sufficientwarm shelter for them in the coming months.

Here are some simple guidelines to keep your pets safe and healthy during the colder months,

• No matter what the temperature , wind chill can be a deadly thing for your pets. Most animals are the happiest when they are warm and kept indoors. If your dog is an outside , he or she must be protected from the elements, in a dry draft free environment that is large enough for them to lie down in. Raised platforms are better to keep the moisture off the pet, and use a covering of dried hay or cedar shavings.

• Don't leave your pets outside if the temperature drops . All animals are safer indoors, regardless of the season, but we all know that some times it is hard to keep them confined.Short haired, very young and the very old pets should never be allowed to remain outdoors in freezing weather. Think about a pet coat for your short haired friend for those walks.

• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter, need more food and water to keep them warm. Keeping warm depletes their energy. Please check their water and make sure it is not frozen and it is fresh. Use plastic bowls rather than metal, when the temperatures are low your pets tongue can stick to the metal.

• Warm engines attract !!! Cats and small wildlife, such as mice and some owls are known to crawl up under hoods of cars to stay warm after then engine has been shut off.

Bang on the hood before getting into your car, this will scare them away.

• Salt and melt pellets used to melt your walk ways and paths, can irritate the pads of your pets feet. Wipe them with a damp cloth before your pet licks them and irritates their mouths.

• THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Antifreeze is a deadly poison! But sweet to the taste and may attract animals and children. Wipe up all spills and store the antifreeze and all chemicals out of reach. Use anti-freeze coolant made with propylene glycol. Swallowed in small amounts it will not hurt your pets or the wildlife.

But the best medicine for the winter woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. They are better off even if they think they aren't and beg to go out.

Dogs and cats are social animals and crave human companionship. Your " Best Friend " deserves to be with you indoors where he or she is safe and warm.