Caring For Your Pet This Winter

Winter Pet Care

Pet owners who live in areas of cold winter climates should be aware that there are things to remember and put into place to keep their pets safe and healthy when the temperature drops.

Be aware of your pet’s tolerance to cold weather and adjust accordingly.  This is especially true for older and sick pets. Arthritic or elderly pets may have difficulty walking in snow and ice and are more prone to slipping or falling.

Common sense tells us that long-haired dogs are more tolerant to the cold, but they are still at risk in cold winter weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster, and short-legged dogs become cold faster because their tummies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground.

Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other medical problems may have a more difficult time regulating their body temperatures and may be more susceptible to problems relating to temperature extremes.  The same can be said for very young and very old pets. Consult with your veterinarian if you need help in determining your pet’s temperature limitations.

It is a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant to cold temperatures than people because of their fur, but this is generally untrue.  They are, like people, susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite.  Thick-coated dog breeds, like huskies, are more tolerant, but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below freezing temperatures.

Pets should be kept inside whenever possible in cold winter weather, but if you are unable to do so, provide him or her with a warm, solid shelter with a door positioned away from prevailing winds.  The floor of the shelter should be off the ground and the bedding should be thick, dry, and changed regularly to provide a warm, healthy environment.  Space heaters and heat lamps should never be used because of the risk of fires or burns to the pet.  If you use a heated pet mat, use with caution. Always provide fresh, non-frozen water and remember that pets need more calories in winter to keep them warm, so give your pet plenty of food.

Check your pet’s paws for ice and snow accumulation. Iceballs between their toes and pads can cause injury.  Try to keep the fur growing between their toes clipped as this will reduce the chance of “popsicle toes”. If your dog will tolerate booties, that would be a good way to protect her paws and toes.  It takes a little practice for pups to become accustomed to having something on their feet, so be patient.

When the snow is deep, pets will need to go outdoors for potty breaks. One of the first things I used to do when it snowed was shovel a pee path for my Betsy.  I tried to shovel as close to the ground as possible so that she could smell the earth and encouraged her to use that spot.  If your pet is able to use pee pads or pee patches indoors, that’s the best situation.

Important!!!

1.Beware of cats or other animals sheltering under vehicles!!  Always bang on the hood of your vehicle before starting it up in cold winter temps.
2.Antifreeze is deadly to pets!! Cats, in particular, can be poisoned by very small amounts…just by walking through spilled antifreeze and licking its paws during his daily cleaning routine. Be sure that your car is not leaking antifreeze.
3.Ice Melt and De-icers on paws can be toxic!! Wipe your pet’s paws, legs, and belly after walks in snowy, icy weather to remove chemicals from ice melter products. This reduces the risk of your pet being sickened or poisoned if they should lick their feet or fur once back inside.  Use pet-safe de-icers on your property to protect your pets and others in your neighborhood.
4.Be prepared for power outages!!  Cold weather also brings the risk of severe storms, blizzards, and power outages.  Be sure to include your pet in your emergency plans.  Include enough food, water, and any medications needed for your pet in your emergency kit to get through at least five days.

Wintering with your pet is mostly common sense.  Remember that if you are cold, chances are that your pet is cold, too.  So, snuggle up and keep your pet healthy, warm, and safe this winter!

Cheri