'TIS THE SEASON TO BE WINTER AWARE!

• Remember to make a pet supply list while you plan for winter emergencies or travel. Be sure to update pet ID tags with current phone number and address.
• Beware of antifreeze (a sweet tasting killer) and harsh ice melt (which can burn pads). Use pet-safe antifreeze and snow melt. Save domestics and wildlife by wiping up spills.
• All life seeks heat. Protect stove tops and pound on the hood of your car before starting your car engine.
• Protect pet paws by putting Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on them before they go out in the snow.  Wipe off when they come back into the house. See your veterinarian at the first sign of frostbite.
• Prevent ice cuts on food pads with "Pad-Tuf" or another pet product from your veterinarian or pet store. Sled dog boots provide full protection.
• Transport pets in carriers, never in the wind on a metal truck bed.
• Food foraging for wild animals can become more difficult in the winter. Protect your pets by feeding indoors only. Keep garbage lids secure to avoid creating a "feeding station".
• Eliminate dampness and kill chills with wind baffles and regular changing of straw or other bedding in outdoor pet housing.
• Take the temperature of your garage and other such areas to prevent frozen water as well as frozen pets. Check and refresh outdoor water everyday.
• Move pet beds and fish bowls away from windows and drafts.
• Survey your yard for snow buildups which create bridges over fences where pets can escape. Prevent escapes by creating air moats with strategic shoveling.
• Provide dry ground, wind free shelter and dry food storage for horses and livestock.
• Protect your pets from holiday decorations, candy, rich people foods, careless and noisy guests and poisonous seasonal plants (mistletoe, holly berry, poinsettias, Christmas Rose, philodendron, dieffenbachia and other toxic greens).
• Substitute a gift certificate for a live holiday pet. Pets require more than many people are ready to provide. In addition, gift pets often get lost, harmed or devalued in the holiday frenzy.
• In every season, remember that loose dogs and outdoor cats can get injured or even killed fighting with other dogs, cats or "wildlife". They can be exposed to infectious diseases, can get hit by cars, or even get poisoned. Your pet is a feeling, but dependent, family member.  Please "Keep Tahoe Kind" every day of the year.

Suggested Pet Travel and Emergency Kit

[] Veterinarian Name and Phone Number
[] Collar or Harness with Current Personal ID Tag
[] Short and Long Leashes
[] Food Dish
[] Water Dish
[] Bottled Water
[] Food (and can opener if needed)
[] Medications and Instructions
[] Health and Rabies Certificate
[] Favorite Toys and Chew
[] Carrier or Crate (sized for pet to stand up and turn around)
[] Blanket and/or Bed
[] Litter and Litter Pan
[] Pooper Scooper and Plastic Bags
[] All Surface Cleaner-Deodorizer (such as XO) and Paper Towels
[] Color Pet Photo and Description (in case of lost)
[] Grooming Comb, Brush, Towels
[] First Aid Kit; gauze pads and roll; tape; bandages; hydrogen peroxide; 
    antibiotic ointment; muzzle; tweezers; small, blunt-ended scissors; 
    cold pack; thermometer (Cats and Dogs Normal Range: 100-102.5 degrees).

NOTE:  Date, review and refresh your Travel-Emergency Kit twice a year.

Remember To: 

• Reserve ahead for travel.

• Plan ahead for emergency housing with family, friends. (Always take your pet with you.  If you cannot, leave a one-week supply of water and confine pet to a safe room with current ID tag and regular type collar.  Immediately notify local animal control agencies for rescue from your home.)

• Keep pet's good manners in shape so others can handle him or her if necessary, and so that he or she can be less stressed in temporary housing.

• Leash your pet at all times, particularly before opening a car or other door.

• Learn the symptoms of hypothermia and heatstroke and what to do.  Never leave your pet in a parked car or tied up alone.

• To prevent eye injuries, do not allow your pet's head to hang out the window.