1-847-356-VETS (8387)

We now offer home delivery for most prescription refills. Call the office and we can take care of you directly or email your prescription request (for current clients only) to acclv@sbcglobal.net. Coming soon, we will have online payment available through though Paypal.

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Cold Weather Checklist: You are Prepared for Winter...Is Your Pet?

When you grab your sweater and coat to protect yourself from cold weather, you also need to think about protection for your animal friends. When the thermometer dips below freezing, it's critical to protect dogs and cats from the elements, even when they are only spending a short time outside—because a pet's "fur coat" is not adequate protection from freezing temperatures.

Cold weather was rarely a problem in nature's plan because animals evolved to suit the climates in which they found themselves. But people don't often think about bringing a thin-coated or warm-weather suited breed to colder climates. Few breeds are made for frigid conditions, and animals get just as cold in frigid weather as people do.

"Because animals go barefoot all the time, their paws are vulnerable to ice, packed snow, and road salt. In extreme conditions, they can get frostbite," said [name], a veterinarian at [your clinic name here]. "Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise."

Here are 10 tips to help you protect your animal friends when the temperature starts to fall:

1. Monitor the temperature. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep your pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.

2. Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are poisonous—even lethal—to animals. If your pet ingests even a small amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. To prevent accidental poisoning; more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

3. Make sure your pet's water supply doesn't freeze. Use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to a cold metal.

4. Use a damp towel to clean ice-melting chemicals and salt off your pet's feet and underside. You might also want to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or use pet boots.

5. If your dog must be outside for any period of time, make sure you provide a dry, draft-free doghouse where your dog can sit and lay down comfortably—but keep it small enough to hold in its body heat. Raise the floor off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw.

6. Slap the hood of your vehicle before starting it, then wait a few seconds for any cats to escape. In their search for warmth, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.

7. Don't let snow pile up next to your fence. Your dog could jump over the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard.

8. Make sure your pet sleeps away from drafty areas when indoors. Areas near windows or doors that lead outdoors may allow cold air to seep in and keep your pet from staying adequately warm. Consider a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

9. Watch for frostbite and hypothermia. Paws are most susceptible to frostbite. Symptoms may not appear until a couple of days after exposure. Look for swollen paws that the animal keeps fussing over.

10. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily become lost. More dogs are lost in the winter than any other season, so make sure they always wear I.D. tags.

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• Pet Emergencies
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• Losing A Beloved Pet
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• New Client Form [pdf]
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Our Facility

Phone: 847.356.VETS (8387)
Address: 101 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Lake Villa, Illinois 60046-8593 [ MAP ]

Office Hours

Note: Doctor's hours by appt. only

Mon	8am - 6pm
Tue	8am - 6pm
Wed	8am - 6pm
Thur	8am - 6pm
Fri	8am - 6pm
Sat	8am - 1pm
Sun	Closed

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