The weather is changing and so are our pets needs. Although our pets are getting their winter coats they will still need special precautions when it comes to the colder temperatures. Consider your pets age. I have heard many people say their dogs will be fine in very cold weather because they have always been in the cold weather each year. They then proceed to tell me how much their dogs have endured from snow piles on their backs as they slept to ice on their whiskers and chins. They say this as if this is an accomplishment that their dogs can survive such extremes. The fact is, just like us, when we age the more extreme temperatures are much more difficult to endure. This is not to say that any age animal can with stand extreme conditions and not pay a price. You need to take precautions for your pets so they can be comfortable through the difficult temperatures just as we do our selves. There are things you can do such as making certain their dog house is not facing into the wind. Make certain your pet can get out of the bone chilling wind some where. We have seen people cover their dog houses with plastic so the winds will not creep in through cracks. If it is a shallow dog house your pet has then make certain there is enough coverage that they do not get wet because there is not enough space to get back from the door. Also make certain your pet has enough to eat in the winter. Being able to bulk up a bit for the cooler months helps to keep them warmer. If at all possible when the weather is unforgiving we should bring our pets into a warmer place. No one likes to shake in the cold weather and feel the pain that comes from the cold. As you run in from your warm car to your warm home we have to think about our pets needs for warmth as well. Doggie doors are a huge way for working pet owners to be able to let they pet come in and out while they are at work. Even if it leads to the garage or the mud room and not the entire home.
When I see cats sitting on windowsills to warm from the escaping warm air from the indoors it breaks my heart. The fact is many people feel that cats can fend for themselves when it comes to the cold. They are better at getting into warmer places and having the ability to explore for warmer retreats then dogs are. They can jump and climb which gives them the advantage to find more hiding places but it also opens them to more dangers. In their need to stay warm many cats are found under car engines and inside of them. This is a life taking mistake for a cat seeking warmth. We often see cats on the hoods of cars to stay warm and garage doors opened slightly so cats can have a warm retreat. As animals sleep their body temperatures lower which makes them more susceptible to the cold. That is why they have to have a place to be warm so they can sleep. Since cats sleep often during the day having a safe place that is warm is vital for their comfort. Providing your cat with a cat door can give them all the fun they need out doors as well as a soft and warm place indoors to sleep on their favorite sunny windowsill when they need it.
We have had so many people love our idea of our pet enclosure. It all started when we needed a place for our cats to go outdoors and to be safe a the same time. We have several cats varying from very old to very young. We decided that we would build a fenced in area for our cats and place it against our house for their easy access and security. We then put a cat door in a window in our bathroom window so our cats can come and go indoors and out when ever they want and enjoy the great outdoors in a safe way. Since our addition we have had many people build their cats one as well. We put a tree in ours that was large around so they could climb the side ways tree and “workout” as they perch. We often find them outdoors enjoying a warm afternoon or watching as the leaves change colors and fall to litter the yard. We enjoy sitting on our deck and watching them as they play together in their enclosure enjoying a world of cats that only they truly understand allowing us glimpses occasionally.
The spring time is here and that means beautiful flowers are making their appearance with little blooms popping out all over. Grills are being pulled out and readied for the summer months of barbecues and family gatherings. We will hear the onset of birds as they chirp their beautiful melodies in the green lush trees. While all of this is going on little babies of all kinds are being born. From little chicks to puppies and kittens animals are being born everywhere. The downside to this season is this is the very difficult season for the animal shelters. They become full very quickly. The results of a full shelter are unthinkable. They have nowhere for the new arrivals to go which means a shorter time for animals to have in the shelter. There are actually very few that find homes in a shelter compared to hoe many actually need homes. The responsibilities lie on the pet owners to have their pets neutered and spayed. There are actually programs in place in our area to have feral cats fixed for a low cost to protect the feral cat populations from becoming out of control. The bottom line is for everyone that loves their pets please be responsible and do not let them breed.
2. Rabbits
Rabbits are round, fluffy and extremely endearing.
3. Dwarf Hamster
Dwarf Hamsters are cut and furry. The ones we have are mean and like to jump on you and bite. The draw blood just trying to feed them.
4. Turkish Van Cat
5. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are known for their docile nature.
6. Mice
Not everyone likes mice.
7. Squirrels
I have a neighbor who has raised squirrels before.
8. Puffer Fish
9. African Pygmy Hedgehog
Rodent family and are extremely adorable.
10. Silk Anteater
The silk anteater is similar to other members of its family and the only difference is that they are slightly smaller and prefer to camp out in trees.
A pet is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment. My dogs earn their keep as alarms. Some of the most popular reasons that people like pets is their loyal to you and can be playful. Some pets are liked for their attractive appearance. I find the best are mixed animals that just wants to live with humans
Now there are some good reasons to have a pet.
1. Keeping a pet has shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around.
2. Walking your dog, cat or prairie dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise.
3. Lets not forget when we take our pets out side we get fresh air and social interaction with other pets and people.
Pet are fun and work at the same time. That must be why there are so many.
Tags: Weather and needs of your pets 
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