Cold Weather Safety
It’s that time of year where temperatures tend to dip to levels that they can be deadly for our four legged friends.
In order to best protect them from winter weather dangers, follow the below tips and be sure to stay up to date on changing weather conditions with your local news station.
Whenever possible, bring your pets inside during cold weather. Even outdoor dogs and cats need warmth and shelter during winter weather.
If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are in a dry, draft-free enclosure with enough space for them to sit and lie down, but small enough to retain body heat.
Remember that salt and other de-icing chemicals can irritate a pets paws. Treat paws with a paw balm like Mushers Secret or petroleum jelly prior to walks and wipe off paws when you arrive home.
Avoid use of antifreeze and clean any spills if using. Any ingestion, no matter how minimal, can be fatal.
Never let your dog off leash during a snowstorm. Dogs can easily lose scent trails in the snow and become lost. It is also crucial to make sure your dog always has an ID tag during the winter months in the event they go missing.
Be prepared. Cold weather can bring blizzards, ice storms, and power outages. Consider preparing a disaster kit with your pet in mind, check our our October 2024 blog post for tips!
Consider protecting other outdoor animals in your area. There are many easy and free ways to look out for other animals in your area during the winter months. Consider leaving your garage open a bit with blankets inside and check under the hood of your car to scare off any smaller wildlife that may have taken refuge inside prior to starting the engine.
Know the signs of hypothermia, and how to help an animal in distress. In the event of hypothermia, wrap the animal in warm blankets and monitor them closely. If symptoms persist, you may need to take them to an emergency vet. Symptoms of hypothermia include…
Weak or slow pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, decreased body temperature, and unconsciousness
Remember that a cold car is just as dangerous as a hot car. Leaving a dog in a car in cold weather can lead to hypothermia.
And above all else, be sure to know your pets limits, keeping in mind that if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them. Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature.
