Prepare Your Pets for Cold Days & Nights!

It’s time to make sure our pets are protected from the upcoming cold temperatures. So if your dogs or cats spend a lot of time outside, here are some good ideas!

• Make sure that they have a protected area or space with three sides and a roof. The space needs to be big enough for them to comfortably fit inside but small enough that their body heat can help keep them warm.
• Be sure their bedding is dry and clean. Straw, blankets or bath towels that help to trap warm air are good choices.
• Do not use commercial insulation—fiberglass is not good for your pet and can irritate their eyes, noses and paws.
• Increase the amount you feed your pets on cold days. They need extra calories to keep warm on cold nights and mornings.
• Outdoor dogs do not need to be shaved during the winter months. However, you should continue to brush their coats. Brushed coats hold warm air better than coats that are matted.
• If you bathe your pets, make sure that they are completely dry before you put them outside.
• Consider getting a coat or sweater for short-haired breeds.
• Outdoor cats love the heat from car engines and may climb under the hood by the motor to get warm. Have your parents bang on the hood before they start their car. In addition to keeping your pets safe and warm this winter, we have one more reminder regarding the coolant system in your car. If you change the anti-freeze in your car, the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) would like for you to take the following precautions:
• Do not leave anti-freeze open or spilled on the ground—it is very toxic if ingested. Unfortunately, animals do not know that. They like the taste of it and will lick it up.
• Remember, your pets are counting on you to help them be safe and warm this winter. Make sure they have a warm, cozy place to sleep that is off the ground and away from drafts. At PACC, our shelter is heated. Animals are brought in from outside runs, and blankets are provided for puppies and short-haired dogs.
• Looking for a warm body to keep your feet warm? The animals at PACC may be just the ticket. We have lots of wonderful pets for you to choose from. Come take advantage of our new hours of operation and find a pet that’s just right for you!

Dear Paw Prints,
My mom and brother are allergic to animal saliva. Is a fish or turtle the only option I have? I would love to have some other pet.

Your friend, A.N.

Dear A.N.,
The allergic reaction to animal saliva is caused by the protein in the saliva. Animals that groom themselves get their saliva on their fur; it dries and rubs off on humans, who transfer it into their eyes, nose, mouth and skin, and then have a reaction to it. While owning an animal without fur (such as a turtle, fish, snake or bird) may be an option, people can be allergic to many different kinds of allergens and may still experience an allergic reaction.

If a dog or a cat is something you and your family really want, talk to a good allergy specialist. Typically, people with pet allergies are more sensitive to cats than to dogs. If the allergic reaction is not too severe it may be possible to develop a plan to help manage the allergy. A combination of medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning, designated pet-free zones and careful pet handling practices such as hand washing and hugging restrictions can often be effective and allow even someone with pet allergies to live with, love and be loved by a furry friend.

You & Your Family Can Help the Pima Animal Care Center! Beginning Dec. 9, wish trees will decorate the lobby and clinic at PACC. The ornaments have donation ideas on how you can help!

Pima Animal Care Center
4000 N. Silverbell Rd. • 243-5969
www.pimaanimalcare.org

Send your pet questions to Paw Prints
1037 N. Alvernon Way #150
Tucson, AZ 85711