Make sure your animals are well cared for during changing seasons, holidays Posted On: Saturday, Oct. 31 2009 05:01 AM From staff reports

After spending weeks preparing our homes, lawns and automobiles for colder weather, it is important not to forget that special companion, the family pet.

The changing seasons bring new hazards that pet owners need to prepare for so that picture perfect household with Fido curled up with the kids by the warm hearth is preserved. Holidays pose special risks to pets.

The basics needs of your pets still apply, like providing clean, fresh water – and of course if the temperature should dip, making sure to remove any ice. Avoid using metal bowls or buckets.

Ginger Smith-Holmes, shelter manager at Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen said that antifreeze is particularly dangerous for pets. It is highly toxic and has a sweet flavor.

"Antifreeze should not be left around at all," Holmes said. "Dispose of it immediately, don't leave it (sitting) around for a second."

She also recommends that owners provide a dog house away from drafts for outdoor dogs.

Hay makes a good insulator for animals; blankets can get icy and cold. Hay should be changed regularly to so it doesn't get damp or moldy.

Grooming is important because matted fur doesn't protect the animal from the cold.

With Halloween candy in the house, remember that chocolate is poisonous for animals. Sticks and wrappers can become choking hazards.

Consider pet safety when decorating for the holiday. Ornaments and tinsel are eye-catching but may injure a pet if ingested.

Extension cords should be concealed, especially from puppies and kittens that may chew on them.

With visitors coming and going throughout the holidays, your pet may experience more stress than usual.

Provide a quiet place, away from the holiday hustle, to protect your pet and your guests.

The ASPCA Web site recommends keeping cats inside to protect them from injury and exposure to infectious diseases.

Cats look for warm places to sleep and a warm engine under the hood of a car can be attractive. Banging on the hood of your car before starting it can give cats a chance to escape and avoid injury.

According to the ASPCA, more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season; be sure animals always wears identification tags.

For more information about pet safety, go to www.humanesociety.org.

Protect your pet on Halloween

The Humane Society of the United States offers the follow tips to protect your pet on Halloween:

Keep your pet in a quiet place, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities.

Cats – black ones in particular – often fall victim to pranksters.

Place live flame decorations like candles and jack-o'-lanterns out of your pet's reach.

Keep candy away from pets.

Resist the urge to put your pet in a costume.

Don't let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing.

Keep decorations that pets could chew on – like streamers and fake spider webs – and wires and cords from electric decorations out of reach.