Frigid temperatures can be dangerous to your pet
The current temperature is 16 degrees below zero with a wind chill factor of 30 degrees below zero. It’s really cold outside.
The meteorologists are describing the “polar vortex” as the cause of the current cold spell. My dog doesn’t really care about the cause. He just knows it’s cold. When I open the door to let him out, his look tells me, “Don’t go far from that door. I won’t be out here long.”
Although his exposure to the cold air and snow have been limited as of late, I’ve tried to be especially aware of his skin and paws.
The ASPCA and Janet Tobiassen Crosbly, DVM, About.com Veterinary Medicine, offer the following tips for the care of our dogs’ skin and paws during the winter months:
Ÿ Coming in and out of the cold into dry heat can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your house humidified and towel dry your dog as soon as he comes inside, and pay special attention to his feet and between his toes. Brushing your dog not only gets rid of dead hair, but also stimulates blood circulation, improving his skin’s overall condition.
Ÿ Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, ice or snow. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
Ÿ Trimming longhaired dogs, including the hair between their toes, minimizes the clinging of ice balls, de-icing chemicals and salt crystals that can dry on your dog’s skin. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which will provide him with more warmth.
Ÿ Carry a towel with you on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove chemicals, salt and ice. Also, check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. You may want to purchase pet boots to protect their paws if they will tolerate wearing them.
Ÿ Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside helps to protect from salt and chemical agents. After toweling off the ice and snow, apply a moisturizer to help heal chapped paws.
Ÿ Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime and may suffer from dehydration. Feeding your dog a little bit more during the cold weather, particularly protein, and making sure he has plenty of water to drink will help keep him well-hydrated, his skin less dry and his fur thick and healthy.
Ÿ Dogs with short coats may benefit from wearing a weather-resistant coat. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that covers your dog from the base of his tail on top to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for some dogs. Older dogs can benefit from wearing a sweater to keep off the chill, even when they are indoors.
Ÿ Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep off the floor and away from all drafts. (In our house, the couch works really well). A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
Ÿ And a reminder that cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
Ÿ Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.
If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your pet. Stay in, stay warm. Spring is only 2 ½ months away.
With the spring comes Buddy’s Birthday Party to celebrate its 19th year. Join the group Thursday, Feb. 27, at DRINK, formerly The Alumni Club, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg.
For $30, you will enjoy a buffet, two drink tickets and birthday cake for dessert. The evening promises a raffle and auction along with music and entertainment.
Remember, these events are our only ways of raising money for the shelter. We receive no state or local subsidies of any kind. All donations go directly to assist the animals at The Buddy Foundation. There are no salaries and no paid staff, everyone is a volunteer.
Ÿ Contact the Buddy Foundation at (847) 813-7206 or visit thebuddyfoundation.org.