Keeping Pets Warm In The Cold

Let's face it, here in Green Country it gets downright cold. It seems some pet owners often forget that man's best friend can be hurt just as easily as we can.

"The biggest mistake people make is they assume because they're animals they're ok in the cold and that's not really true," said Veterinian Robin Johnson.

Johnson tries to let her clients know the risks that are out there. All animals need some sort of shelter they can snuggle into when the temperature drops.

Plus there are a number of new inventions available these days. Owners can purchase heated platforms and heated water bowls in order to make sure their pets drinking water doesn't freeze over.

If you know there are cats in your neighborhood be careful when you start your car.

"Cats his time of year are really bad about climbing into car engines to stay warm. Make sure you bang on the hood and give the cat a chance to climb out," said Johnson.

Also make sure you use pet-safe chemicals for thawing icy walkways and driveways, and don't leave out the antifreeze because pets love the taste, and it doesn't take much to be a deadly dose.

Remember if it's below freezing your pet needs to be moved indoors.

Experts say it can take less than an hour in extreme temperatures for frostbit or hypothermia to set in.

Don't assume just because they have a fur coat they're going to be warm enough quite often they are not.

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com anchor/reporter & Chris Howell, Video Journalist