Pet Chatter

(Pet Chatter is an Endeavor News column by Lori Hansen, a lifelong pet companion and animal lover and activist. Suggestions for future columns can be sent to design@zitomedia.net.)

Now that winter weather has really arrived in Cameron and Potter counties, I offer a few final winter pet tips and then a word or two about outdoor animals such as livestock.

Animals seek warmth during the cold weather and that warmth can take the form of a recently parked car. Cats (and small wild animals) will shelter under the car and then crawl up under the hood to be closer to the warmth of the engine. To avoid potentially serious injury, bang on your hood before starting your vehicle. It could save a life!

Antifreeze is a must for those of us living in this part of the country, but antifreeze can be deadly to your pets (or even children). Standard antifreeze is made of ethylene glycol and has a sweet taste that pets find quite appealing.

Store antifreeze and all chemicals out of reach and immediately clean spills thoroughly. Ingesting a very small amount of ethylene glycol can be lethal to pets. Ideally, choose a more petfriendly alternative - propylene glycol antifreeze is considerably less toxic - or use a brand of antifreeze that includes a bittering agent. Some states have passed laws requiring that bittering agents be added to antifreeze. Such a law has been proposed federally but, despite research, I've been unable to find evidence that it has gone into effect.

Livestock should be treated much the same as outdoor pets. Provide a shelter that is dry and free of drafts. Be sure water is changed regularly and provide extra feed, particularly during bitter cold snaps.

Extra bedding should be provided so the animal will be off the frozen ground. Watch for signs of distress especially in animals that are very old, very young or in poor health. Even barnyard critters need extra care in the cold.

One final note about a great website that's helping homeless pets find forever homes. Petfinder.com allows anyone interested in adopting a pet (of virtually any variety) access to adoptable animals shelters and rescue groups across the United States and Canada.

Users have the option of searching by zip code to find animals close to home. Until next time, protect those you love - even those with fur, feathers, fins or scales!