Family companions need special care in cold weather

Companion pets need extra care and thought during times of extremely cold weather. This weekend temperatures will approach freezing in the area.

Brrrr … it's gonna be cold outside this weekend! Those family pets who have to spend their lives or a portion of their lives out of doors need some special care.

Here are some guidelines from the American Society for the Provention of Cruelty to Animals which will help protect companion animals when the mercury dips.

Keep cats inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in one's area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Never let a dog off their leashes on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm - they can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure dogs always wear ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off a dog's legs and stomach when he or she comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. They can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws, and their paw pads may also bleed from snow or ice frozen on grass.

Never shave a dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When bathing a dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him or her before taking them out for a walk. Own a shorthaired breed? Consider getting that pooch a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If a puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, one may opt to paper-train him or her inside. If a dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him or her outdoors only to relieve themselves.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase its supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him - and his fur - in tip-top shape.

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.

Make sure a companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.