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| Advice for Cats and Dogs in Cold Weather Whether you live in a cold place, or are visiting a cold place for some time, you should take some precautions for your pet’s safety. If you have an outdoor cat, be aware that in the winter, it might sleep under a car for warmth. This can be very hazardous if the car starts and the fan belt goes on. If there are many stray or outdoor cats in your neighborhood, you can make sure to bang on the hood of your car to scare it away, before you start your car’s engine. If you are walking your dog in an intense snowstorm, do not let it off the leash. It’s very easy for the dog to get lost, as the snow can be disorienting and make it lose its sense of smell outside. More dogs are lost in the winter time than in any other season, so be sure to have the ID tags properly secured on its collar. If you take your dog out into the snow, sleet or ice, be sure to wipe it off on the legs, feet and stomach when it comes indoors. The salt that people put out on the ground is dangerous for dog feet, as it can cut the pads and cause bleeding. If your dog licks the salt or some antifreeze while licking its paws, this can be very dangerous. A lot of dog owners are getting into dog booties so that they can avoid this problem (not just because it looks cute!). Try to let your dog’s winter coat grow. Trimming is ok, but not shave it down to its skin. If you give your dog a bath when it’s cold out, make sure it is completely dry before you take it outdoors. If you have a short-haired dog, it might be a good idea to invest in a sweater. Do not leave your dog or cat in the car when it’s really cold out. Cars can trap in cold air and this can be fatal. If you use antifreeze, make sure it’s completely out of reach from cats and dogs. If your vehicle spills it out, thoroughly clean it up. You should use products with propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Puppies are not as good in the cold as adult dogs. Their fur is not as thick, and their feet have not been as calloused. They can be more difficult to house break during the winter months. Older dogs may also be less tolerant to cold weather, so if you have a really old dog, only take it outside to go to the bathroom. by Tanya — Filed under: Advice — at PetsWelcome.com PSI info: Old Man Winter has reared his ugly head and many people are trying to find that delicate balance between staying warm and keeping the cost of their heating bill down. While it may be easy for people to put on a jacket or bump up the thermostat, pets don’t have the same luxury. If you keep your pet outside, continually check your pet for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite Frostbite most frequently affects ears, toes, tails and areas least covered by fur. Signs of frostbite include red or swollen areas or skin that is very pale and white. To treat frostbite, immerse the area in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Never use hot water and call your veterinarian. Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when a pet has been exposed to very cold temperatures and/or winds for an extended period of time. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, low body temperature, stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. To treat hypothermia, the pet’s body temperature must be raised. Surround the pet in hot water bottles, warm towels or immerse in room-temperature water and slowly add warmer water. Try to get the animal to drink warm liquids and, of course, call your veterinarian. |
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