There are more ways you can care for animals than you may think.

Animals should, by NO means be kept in extreme weather conditions.

Even the greatest of sled dogs and the wiser the feral can suffer a tragic

death in freezing temperatures and direct sun... PLEASE...

Do your part in helping one you may see in need of relief and report it to

your local authorities. The following are some examples and solutions.

WINTER

Despite their "fur" coats, domesticated animals like cats and dogs have

evolved to depend on their human companions for protection from the elements.

The HSUS offers the following suggestions to make sure companions

stay warm and safe this winter:

-- Don't let their fur coats fool you. Don't leave your dog or cat outside when the

temperature falls below freezing. Water dishes can freeze or spill on bedding,

putting animals at risk of dehydration, hypothermia or frostbite.

Even such Arctic dogs as Malamutes and Huskies need to brought in

when the mercury falls too low.

-- It only takes a moment ... Just a few moments in extreme cold can lead to

hypothermia or even death for some pets. Watch for signs of distress,

which include shivering, cold extremities and depression.

If you think your pet is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, contact

your veterinarian immediately. If you can't get immediate medical assistance,

warm the animal with blankets but do not massage the frostbitten area

while you continue to seek professional veterinary help.

-- Don't leave your dog out in the cold. The HSUS advises against leaving

pets outdoors at any time of the year, but winter is especially perilous.

For those determined to keep an outdoor dog, the minimum requirements

for a "winterized" doghouse include a draft-free structure with an elevated

base and a flap door facing away from the wind. The doghouse should
be just large enough for the dog to stand up and stretch out in.
Bedding should consist of clean wood chips and straw, which stay drier

than a blanket or carpet. Food and water must be checked frequently

to ensure they don't freeze. Metal dishes should never be used; animals'

tongues can freeze to them in extreme cold.

Finally, don't neglect your faithful companion just because it's cold out!

Schedule frequent visits and exercise time to keep your dog from feeling

like an outcast from the pack.

-- Even indoor dogs need to get out. Dogs need regular exercise,

even when their human companions would rather stay warm inside.

Play with them indoors and take them for short walks when nature calls.

Watch for signs of distress (as listed above). Provide shorthaired dogs

with a coat or sweater and consider booties for dogs who must walk

in snow or slush.

-- Don't let your car engine become a death trap.
Free-roaming cats often seek shelter from the cold in warm car engines,

and consequently every winter many are injured or killed by fan belts.

Before starting your car, especially if the engine is still warm,

bang on the hood or tap the horn to alert any unsuspecting felines.

You can protect cats from this tragedy by keeping them safe indoors.

-- Antifreeze is for cars, not animals. The sweet taste of antifreeze

appeals to animals and children, but the ethylene glycol it contains is

extremely toxic. Consider purchasing antifreeze with propylene glycol,

a safer alternative, if you have children or pets around.

Store antifreeze in sealed containers, well out of reach of children,

pets and wildlife. Clean up spills thoroughly and remember that animals

permitted to roam are more likely to encounter the deadly substance.

-- Other chemicals are hazards as well. Salt and de-icing chemicals can not

only irritate your pets' paws, but can be toxic if licked off the feet.

After walks, wipe all four paws with a towel or damp cloth to remove

all traces of chemical salts.

-- Take special precautions if you live near a stream or lake.

Every winter, countless animals drown in partially frozen water.

Keep your animals safe at home!

NOTE: If you see an animal in distress, call your local humane society or

animal control agency IMMEDIATELY to find out what assistance is

available and how you can help.
For more information on winter pet care, visit The HSUS on the
Internet at www.hsus.org.

HELP HOMELESS FELINES SURVIVE WINTER

Unfortunately no one, despite everyone's best efforts will be able to rescue

all the cats and kittens left to fend for themselves during the bitter cold

months throughout the state. There are simply too many homeless cats

and insufficient space to shelter them. But you can make a life and death

difference by helping the strays in your neighborhood or any place there

are abandoned animals! Without your care many homeless cats will

experience great hardships and may not survive.

The following suggestions will help you alleviate their suffering:
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Attract animals to use garages, basements, sheds, barns, doghouses,

porches, other specially-built structures, which offer repair from the elements.

Make sure each place is as insulated, warm and dry as possible.

Make bedding in enclosed sturdy boxes, with heavy woolen or flannel

blankets. Place food and water nearby.
Feed as abundantly and as often as possible as food and water tend

to freeze. Double the amount of food you usually give because extra food

will help the animal fight the cold and keep healthier.

Use better cat food brands, use dry as well as wet food.

If there are kittens in the area, try to capture them and find a foster

home for them.

Keep special attention for older or weaker animals. If they look sick they

may need to be taken to a vet for medical care. Never release a sick cat

after treatment back outdoors because the likelihood is it will not make it.
If you have a special room or space in your house try using it to foster an animal.

It may mean life or death until spring arrives.
If a female appears pregnant, she should be spayed as soon as

possible to avoid the birth of kittens in the cold months

(February, March and even April) as they would never survive.

Never release an animal right after surgery as they may freeze to death.

They need a few days to recover, especially females.
If you know of an area with strays please find a number of people who

will work with you on a daily feeding schedule.

Food and water are ESSENTIAL IN THE WINTER!

SUMMER

Cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do�

overheating, dehydration and even sunburn�when the mercury rises.

By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your animal companions

happy and healthy in the hot weather:

There are hidden dangers for our pets in these lazy, sultry days.

One of the most serious summer emergencies is heatstroke, which can

cause permanent damage to your pet's internal organs or even death.

WHAT CAUSES HEATSTROKE?
Heatstroke occurs when your pet's body temperature gets too high. I see
heatstroke cases every summer in my practice. An owner leaves a pet in a
parked car (even with open windows, temperatures in a car can climb to
lethal degrees within minutes) or ties a pet outside without shade on a
hot day. An owner exercises the animal too much when it's hot or is simply
unaware that the pet's breed is especially vulnerable to the effects of
heat (short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Boxers, are more
susceptible).

KNOW THE SIGNS
Dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting, but in some conditions, that's
not enough to adequately lower their temperature. Any of these signs may
indicate that your pet is overheated: excessive panting and drooling,
vomiting and/or diarrhea, an elevated heart rate, notable lethargy or just
odd behavior, seizures, very red gums, collapse or unconsciousness.

WHAT TO DO
If you notice any of these symptoms on a hot day, you should act quickly.
The best way to find out if your pet is suffering from heatstroke is to
take your pet's rectal temperature. Of course, some people may not feel up
to this. But relying on external signs alone may lead to a false
diagnosis. It's important to get a temperature as quickly as possible,
because cooling occurs somewhat slowly. If you choose not to take your
pet's rectal temperature, call your veterinarian.
When the body temperature is higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit for a dog
or cat, your pet is in the danger zone. (Normal body temperatures for dogs
and cats range roughly from 100 degrees to 102 degrees.) Take immediate
steps to cool down your pet. And call your vet.

COOLING DOWN
If you suspect heatstroke, keep your pet as still and quiet as possible.
Move him to a cooler spot or inside an air-conditioned house. Apply cool
water. You can submerse your pet in a sink, bathtub or wading pool for a
minute or so at a time. If you're unable to lift your pet, you may want to
hose her down with cool (not cold) water with a garden hose. Cold towels
on your pet's head and feet can help. Feeding your pet ice is not a good
idea-she could vomit. Then retake her temperature.

Your goal is to get the animal's temperature down to 104 in the first 10
to15 minutes. Then get to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Even
if you've succeeded in lowering the temperature, there are serious
conditions that can result from heatstroke that may appear only after
several hours, such as brain swelling, seizures, kidney failure, blood
clotting abnormalities, shock, coma and death.

What to expect at the vet
The vet probably will run intravenous cool fluids into your pet. She
probably will also give the pet a bath, draw blood to check for kidney
damage and other conditions, give medications as needed for complications
and monitor the body temperature. She may also administer a cool enema.
(Caution: Never do this at home! Human enemas may be fatal to pets.)

HOW TO PREVENT HEATSTROKE
Of course, prevention is the best defense against heatstroke.

Here's how to make sure your pet doesn't get overheated in the first place:
Never leave your pet in a parked car in warm months, not even for a

few minutes. If you tie your pet outdoors, make sure there's a shady

area readily accessible and plenty of fresh water.

Make sure the water bowl can't be knocked over.
Choose cool times of day for exercise and avoid strenuous

exercise when it's very hot.
Use extra caution if your dog is one of the short-nosed breeds

or if your pet is obese, prone to seizures or has heart or breathing

conditions. Keep these animals extra cool in summer.
Reserve airline travel for cool parts of day, use direct flights and

avoid airline travel completely in hot weather.
Even when you have the best intentions, accidents do happen.

So remember.........treat your pets as you would treat yourself and

enjoy your summer.

HOT CARS ARE TROUBLE

We have all seen dogs and other companion animals who are left inside cars
outside of stores while their well-meaning guardians �run in for a few
minutes.� What these otherwise caring people don�t realize is that on a
hot and humid day, the temperature inside a car rises very quickly.  On an
85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows
opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.  After 30
minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.  On warmer days, it will
get even hotter.  Every year pets left in this situation suffer
irreversible brain damage or death.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
The HSUS has educational posters, available for a nominal fee ($3 for 10/
$5 for 25), that store managers can post inside their windows to remind
shoppers that  �Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Car Can be a Deadly Mistake.�
Similar, 4� x 9� hot car flyers are also available (100 for $8). To order,
or for a free sample of flyers, contact [email protected]