Keep your pets warm -- safely.

 

Yes, your pets have fur, but sometimes in the winter months, they might look like they're chilly and you want to help. Should you pull out your heating pad? No, according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Beaver says heating pads can be a safety hazard for pets as some dogs and cats might chew through the cord. Older dogs that can't move that well might not notice the hot pad is burning them. She also says that cats are actually not great at regulating their body temperature, and might get singed hair. Ouch.

So what about those adorable pet sweaters that are being sold at every store this holiday season? Dr. Beavers says short-haired dogs may need them, but there's no reason Huskies or Chows or other breeds with a thick undercoat should wear them. Even some older cats might benefit from a sweater in a drafty house. But she cautions that cotton and wool are the best choices - synthetics can cause static electricity that could jolt your pet. Ouch again.

-- Jura Koncius, Home section