It's miserable weather – where is your pet? | Observer Local News | Palm Coast Observer and Ormond Beach Observer

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

I don't want to cast aspersions, but my sister, her husband, and their youngest son, have been here since the first week of January and the weather has been awful. I've had friends ask, “when are they leaving?” Their names are being withheld for their protection.

They live in Virginia, where there are far colder temperatures, and snow. They came to the sunshine state, well for sunshine. They may want their money back.

5 easy ways to keep your pets safe from the weather:

1. Bring them inside, at least inside a covered porch. I do not recommend garages because there is too much in the average garage for them to get into and it's not much warmer.

2. An old blanket makes an excellent “nest.” Place a blanket, or sheet, in one corner of your home, with a toy or two. This provides the perfect spot for overnight, and afternoon naps.

3. Keep water bowls full and fresh. We don't think about dehydration as much when we aren't sweating, but your dog doesn't have sweat glands.

4. If you have a metal water bowl outside, replace it with a plastic one until it's warmer. Check to make sure the water hasn't frozen.

5. If there is ice and you use salts on your property, rinse your pet's feet off. The chemicals can burn and you don't want them licking the pads of their feet.

It's not just the humans who are affected by crummy weather, our pets don't like it much either. It is important for them, as with all humans, to have a warm, dry place out of the elements.

The temperatures have hit some low spots, for us – not South Dakota low (also a “sunshine state”), but cold for us. I know this because the bed is crowded. It is not unusual for me to be sandwiched between Kodi and Buddy.

Kodi sleeps on top of the covers, Buddy slithers beneath them.

I am not suggesting you surrender your bed to your pet – I am not in charge at our house, and fully accept this – but it is important to provide them warmth. If you are draping your outside plants with blankets and sheets to protect them, it is not a suitable night for your dog or cat to be out.

Taz and Tally are our Guest Pets of the Week. Courtesy Photo

Send in a photo of your pet to be included in Guest Pet of the Week. Be sure to include their name, breed, age, your name, and something fun about them. I will use them in the order they are received, one per week.