It’s time to get prepared: winter is in full swing, and it brings the dangers of severe cold weather, snow, ice, and even power outages. It’s a good idea to prepare a disaster/emergency kit and include your pet in those preparations. Be sure to have enough non-perishable food, water, and any prescription medications for you and your pets, as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives, on hand to get through at least five days.
Just like us, our pets like a nice comfy place to sleep and may change their location if they need more or less warmth. I have a small space heater in my bathroom and my cat curls up in front of it and stays there all day and night. Give them options that allow them to change their sleeping place to adapt to their needs. Just like us, they want (and deserve) a nice warm bed to sleep in!
We’ve all seen the heartbreaking pictures of dogs or cats left outdoors during winter storms and snow. Just don’t do it! Let them in: they’re your family, and you wouldn’t want to sleep out in that kind of weather so why would you make your pet?
It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resilient than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s simply not true. Just like us, they are susceptible to frostbite, and hypothermia and it can come on quickly. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in freezing weather.
Some dogs love to go out and play in the snow and that’s fine, but don’t leave them out too long where you are putting them in danger! If they get too cold it lowers their immune system putting them at risk of upper respiratory illnesses and colds, just like us!
Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Smaller dogs, short-haired dogs, and older dogs should wear a sweater or doggie parka to help keep them warm and doggie boots are always recommended because it protects their paws from the salt commonly used to de-ice sidewalks.
Speaking of their paws, check them regularly for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. When you get back inside after a walk, wash your pet’s feet, legs, and belly to remove deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic to reduce the risk of them being poisoned if they should lick their feet or fur.
Antifreeze can be lethal. It tastes sweet to pets but it contains a toxic agent, so be aware if your dog starts sniffing around in a driveway or parking lot, because it’s possible someone may have spilled antifreeze and your dog could consume it. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Lastly, don’t leave your dog in a car during cold weather as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and can cause serious injury or even cause them to freeze to death. Just like in the summer where your car can literally turn into an oven, in the winter it becomes a freezer.
What it comes down to is this; If it’s too cold for you outside, it’s also too cold for your furry family member. Taking a few extra minutes and some simple precautions can prevent discomfort, illness, and injuries to your precious pet during this colder time of year.
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