As the mercury drops and the
days get shorter, it's time to winterize your pet care routine
to ensure the safety of your beloved animal companions. Like people,
pets are sensitive to cold, wet weather and can suffer from frostbite
and hypothermia.
St. Hubert's offers these cold-weather
tips:
Make every effort to keep your
pets indoors during the cold-weather months. They're safer inside
and prefer your company to the harsh winter elements. Provide
a warm, dry area free of drafts for your pets; elevate their beds.
Never leave a dog or cat outdoors
when the temperature drops dramatically, and keep very young or
older pets inside as it is difficult for them to regulate their
body temperatures.
Dogs and cats cannot tolerate
winter weather without adequate shelter. If your pet is accustomed
to staying outdoors be sure to provide a weather-proof enclosure
large enough for your pet to stand up and lie down comfortably,
but small enough to help retain your pet's own body heat. Make
sure the shelter opening is facing away from the wind and provide
cedar shavings or straw as insulation for the shelter floor.
Check drinking water for outdoor
pets frequently--it freezes quickly.
Antifreeze made with the toxic
chemical, ethylene glycol, can be fatal to pets and wildlife;
animals and children are attracted to antifreeze because of its
sweet odor and taste. To avoid poisoning, use an antifreeze made
with a safer chemical, propylene glycol (such as Sierra Antifreeze),
and always clean up any chemical spills. If you suspect that
your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Your pet can suffer irreversible poisoning very quickly.
Chemicals used to melt ice
and snow can irritate or burn your pet's paws. Remove ice and
snow when you return indoors and rinse your pet's feet in warm
water and dry them thoroughly.
Some animals--especially cats--like
to bask in the warmth of car engines. Before starting your engine,
honk your horn or check underneath the hood of your vehicle to
make sure that no one is sleeping inside.
Like people, pets can suffer
from prolonged exposure to cold and ice. Frostbitten skin can
blister or turn pink and then a whitish color when affected. But
because your pet's hair will make it difficult to observe any
skin changes, the best indication of frostbite is often a pet
showing discomfort. If your dog or cat appears to have difficulty
walking, its paws may be frostbitten. Contact your vet immediately.
Your pets give you so much
warmth and joy during the cold-weather months. Please take the
time to protect them this winter.
Special thanks to Dr. Craig
Little of the Hunterdon Hills Animal Hospital and Dr. Barbara
Day of the Madison Veterinary Hospital for providing information
for this article.
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