Keep Sparky from becoming frosty

As winter finally arrives in the Valley, many people are happy to finally have a chance to get the skis, snowboards and snowmachines out of mothballs. Some pets, however, may dread the cold weeks ahead. Pet owners can make a big difference in their pets' winter comfort levels with just a minimal effort.

Here are some suggestions to keep your pet comfy, cozy and healthy when the winter winds blow:

If you own a shorthaired dog, provide the pet with a warm sweater for those cold winter walks.

Keep your older pet's bed raised slightly off the floor and away from drafts.

Your pet may look for a warm resting place, so keep a fire screen around a fireplace hearth and a wood burning stove.

Using metal water dishes outside in winter may be a risk, because your pet's tongue could stick to the frozen metal and the water can easily freeze over. Consider a self-warming water dish.

Space heaters pose a triple threat -- your pet may chew the cord, burn itself on the heater, or knock it over and cause a fire.

If your dog enjoys playing in the snow, take the normal precautions against frostbite and watch for cracked pads or tiny cuts in the feet.

Don't let your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck. Along with the potential of losing your dog in an accident, winter adds the possibility of frostbite.

Road salt can burn your pet, so check the paws, mouth and belly after a walk.

Keep a towel or old throw rug by the door. Following outdoor activity, dry your pet's chest, underbelly and feet.

The outside dog must have a well-insulated dog house that has deep, clean bedding and is free from drafts.

October -- the hint of chill in the evening air reminds those of us who live in seasonal climes to prepare for winter weather's worst. And as we make our provident preparations, let's not forget our cats.

One step owners can take to prevent a potential tragedy from befalling their cats is to use a less-toxic propylene-glycol based antifreeze in their car. Most brands of commercial antifreeze consist of 95-percent ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical. Even a few licks of this sweet-tasting liquid can be fatal to a cat or dog. Ethylene-glycol-based antifreeze is also extremely hazardous to children. A few ounces are lethal. Propylene glycol, on the other hand -- although not entirely nontoxic -- is considerably less toxic than ethylene glycol.

When you or a member of your household changes antifreeze in the driveway, be sure to collect all of the waste coolant and properly dispose of it. And never leave a bucket of ethylene-glycol coolant unattended -- even for a moment. Also remember that your car can leak coolant at any time. If you see a puddle of greenish-colored liquid in your driveway, flush the area with plenty of water and don't delay locating and fixing the leak.

If your standard practice is to take the car to a mechanic for its winter preparations, be sure to ask specifically for a propylene-glycol based antifreeze, but be prepared to pay a little more. There are several nationally available propylene-glycol antifreezes on the market, including: Sierra, available through Safe Brands Corporation, 1-800-289-7234, and Sta-Clean, available through Sta-Clean Products, 1-800-825-3464. A number of regional companies also offer propylene-glycol antifreeze in regional markets or in bulk quantities.

Ice melts and salts are two other significant pet hazards pet owners should watch out for. Pets may be exposed to ice melts that have been spilled, applied to sidewalks, or improperly stored. The most common clinical sign of exposure to ice melts is vomiting. Other effects include diarrhea, salivation, depression, and loss of appetite, disorientation, increased thirst, seizures and even death.

Before initiating treatment for ice melt products, it is critical to know the ingredients and the animal's health status.

If an animal walks on or rolls through the product, bathe the pet and monitor it for skin irritation. Also monitor and correct abnormalities in hydration status, electrolyte concentrations, and heart muscle activity. There are many brands of de-icing products on the market. The most common ingredients in ice melts are sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and calcium magnesium acetate. A few ice melts contain urea.

Sodium toxicosis is possible after large ingestions of ice melts, salt, or rock salt. A dose of four grams of sodium chloride per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of animal weight can be lethal in dogs. Ingesting large amounts of sodium can lead to increased urination and swelling of the brain.

Also, the digestive upset, along with the increased urination may lead to dehydration, further worsening the pet's condition. Diagnosis of sodium toxicosis is based on serum concentrations and a history of sodium ingestion.

Signs associated with elevated potassium levels include muscle weakness, general indicators are disturbances, and cardiac conduction disturbances. Ingestion of potassium chloride tablets has caused bowel strictures and ulcerations.

Elevated magnesium concentrations can cause low blood pressure and cardiac abnormalities, weakness, and neurological signs. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Vomiting may reduce the amount of absorption if induced with in two hours of ingestion.

The key to saving your pet if you suspect it ingested ice melt products is fast action. As soon as a possible poisoning by these or other toxins is noticed, contact the national Animal Poison Control center at 1-800-548-2433.

Information compiled by David Allison, chief officer of Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation.