UrbanAnimal

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Dear UrbanAnimal,

My cat just had a serious incident. She was under the hood of my neighbour's car and was injured when the engine started. Mitzi will be OK, but our veterinarian said she's a lucky cat. Can you remind readers of this danger?

Anthony, Willowdale

Dear Anthony,

Cats love to curl up against something warm, especially during the winter months. If your lap or a warm bed isn't available (or even if it is), many cats find their way under the hood of a car to escape the wind and cold. When the car engine is started, the fan belt can inflict severe injuries, even death.

I'm so glad that Mitzi lived to tell about it.

Many years ago, one of my own cats was also injured by a fan belt. When he finally came back into the house, it looked as if somebody had attacked him with a knife but our veterinarian immediately recognized the cuts as having been inflicted by a fan belt, an injury that is one of the dangers of allowing a cat access to the outdoors.

My cat's wounds were extensive but none required stitches. We spent the next few days following our veterinarian's advice to soak the gashes and abrasions, apply ointments and administer oral antibiotics to help prevent infection. Like Mitzi, my cat was very lucky.

Since that time, when cold weather is upon us, I make it a habit to bang on my car's hood with my hand before I get in and start the engine. It only takes a second to provide a wake-up call to any cat that may be snoozing in my car's engine. Many cats are now kept indoors all year long but many people still allow their cats to go outside and, of course, there are always the stray and feral cats to consider.

There are many other safety and health concerns at this time of year. Here are just a few reminders:

Antifreeze can be dangerous for domestic and wild animals and, depending on the animal's physical size and health situation, ingesting it can cause death. Its sweet smell and taste can be like a magnet to some animals so be sure to clean up any spills on your driveway or garage and keep containers safely sealed and stored away from roving noses.

The lethal ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol but you can purchase a less-toxic formulation containing propylene glycol. Check product labels for more information.

Depending on your schedule, shorter winter days may find you out walking your dog in the dark or, worse, during a snowstorm. If your dog absolutely insists on regular walkies, regardless of the weather, be sure to keep a firm grip on the leash. If your dog escapes the leash, he may become disoriented and lost. Be sure his collar tags are securely attached before venturing out.

"If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your dog!" used to be my mantra for people who lived with small, elderly, short-haired dogs or those with compromised health issues. But now, with all the fabulously well-constructed dog coats and boots on the market, there is a solution for just about every dog. Check with your favourite pet supply store to see what's new. Dog boots are available to fit just about every paw in every size but there are alternatives such as "Invisible Boot," a soothing, long-lasting cream that provides a barrier to shield pads from cold and ice.

Provide all your pets with a warm, draft-free place to sleep. Whether it's a thermal, orthopedic, custom-made bed or simply a warm, clean blanket spread over a carpet, make sure all your pets have a comfortable place to snooze away the winter days and nights.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.