We all love our pets, but sometimes we can harm our trusting companions because of lack of knowledge. Here’s how to safeguard your dog or cat.
Housing: Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If your pet is indoors, his/her bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area and kept slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. If possible, provide a “door” to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.
Food: Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.
Water: Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his/her water several times a day since it may freeze.
Frostbite: Frigid weather can be hard on dogs and cats. Like humans, pets are stung by frostbite and threatened with hypothermia. You can make a pet’s life easier by taking a few precautions.
When you’re thinking about bringing your pet inside, don’t just consult the thermometer, also consider your pet’s age, exercise level, previous exposure to the outdoors, and breed. Physically fit pets, those with heavier coats, and pets used to being outdoors, fare better than short-haired breeds or housebound pets. Young and old pets also are more susceptible to cold.
The best way to tell if cold weather bothers your pet is to look for signs of discomfort. Dr. Susan Cotter, from Tufts College of Veterinary Medicine, says, “If you’re out walking and Fido begins shivering and holding up his paws, it’s time to head home.”
Remove ice and snow from your pet’s paws and coat at once. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white, or gray, and it may be scaly, or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, s/he will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
Snow remove salts: Road salt poses a hazard for dogs and cats. Salt and ice stick to the paws, working their way between pads and causing sores. Wash your dog’s paws after walking him/her, or buy your pooch a pair of boots. Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested. Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet’s and children’s reach.
Freeze notice for cats: Dr. Eliza Sundahl, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, advises, “In general, you should keep cats inside when the mercury drops to freezing. Cats that spend much of their time inside will not be acclimated to cold weather. If your cat sits outside or a cat has access to your garage, check under the vehicle’s hood before starting the motor. Cats sometimes snuggle up to an engine for warmth.”
Birds: Remember to feed the birds. Birds are creatures of habit and will become dependent on you for food. Once you start to feed them, you must continue until natural food becomes available.