Protecting Your Pet: Winter weather

From cute kittens to baby bunnies our furry friends need a little extra TLC when the temperature drops. After a walk with your pooch, make sure you wipe off their paws.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"If you use ice melt a lot of times it irritates a dog's paws, and there are now pet safe ice melts out on the market that will help."

Large dogs with thick coats can stay outside comfortably for up to an hour, but smaller or older dogs should only be outside for about fifteen minutes. A doggy jacket is also a good idea. For cats the best bet is to keep them indoors only.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"There's lots of dangers for pets. You've got snowplows, cars that are unable to stop if they run in front of them because of icing conditions."

For horses--a shelter is a must.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"This time of year a horse left outside without shelter would be in danger."

And a blanket can help keep out the cold.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"We do recommend that they be out blanketed and that they come in after a few hours so that they're not out there the entire day in the cold weather."

Pet rabbits should always be kept indoors, because small pets, like bunnies, are more susceptible to hypothermia.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"Domestic rabbits aren't built to be outside in this weather even if they're in a hutch it's still too cold for them."

And when your pond freezes, make sure your ducks don't get trapped in the ice.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"A domestic duck can't fly south for the winter. They are pets they should be housed indoors or in a heated enclosure."

But experts say the best advice to protect your pet from the winter weather.

Deb Vogel, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"Treat them like you'd treat yourself if you’re cold outside, chances are they're cold too."

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