It's cold outside: Tips on keeping pets safe in the winter
Cold temperatures and snow may be the perfect conditions for skiing, sledding and ice skating, but they can be dangerous for pets. Here are some tips to keep cats and dogs safe in the winter.
People might think dogs and cats are insulated from the cold by their fur, but their coats alone do not provide enough protection for sustained time outdoors.
Dogs and cats with short hair get cold faster than thick-coated dogs, like huskies, malamutes, and Great Pyrenes, but all pets are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia if outside in the cold too long.
Dogs with short legs get cold faster because their bodies are closer to the ground and their bellies may brush against the snow. Keep their bellies clean and dry by shoveling an area in the yard for going potty.
Puppies and kittens, senior pets, and pets with chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk for cold weather-related injuries. Keep them indoors as much as possible.
Go ahead and bathe pets in the winter, but make sure their fur has dried completely before letting them outside. Regular brushing will keep their coats free of mats that reduce the insulating abilities of fur.
Sweaters may be an answer for dogs, but most cats will protest wearing them. And be sure to keep an eye on Fido while he's donning the latest in cold weather fashion just in case he gets a leg stuck while trying to take it off.
Exercise is still important for pets, even in winter. Shorten daily walks with dogs, if necessary. Snow can freeze between the toes, creating discomfort. Salt spread on sidewalks can burn paws. Be sure to wash and dry paws as soon as the walk is over. If you notice paw pads are cracked or bleeding, call your veterinarian.
Some dogs will wear bootees to protect their paws. Bootees should fit securely, but not too tight. A glow-in-the-dark collar is important if walks are taken after dark.
Exercise can also be fun in the warmth of indoors, too. Agility classes and doggy day care are just a couple of options for Fido to have some fun with his friends and burn off some excess energy. A game of fetch is just a ball throw away.
Given the opportunity, cats find lots of ways to play. A cardboard box to jump in and out of, some toys to bat about, and a catnip mouse should keep them moving.
Consider the number of calories fed to pets in winter. Pets who continue to exercise outdoors may need a bit more food. Pets who would rather lay in front of a warm fire when the snow flies may need less.
Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Ears, tails, and paws are at greatest risk. The skin may be gray or blue initially but later turn to red and be painful when touched. Apply warm water to the area of suspected frostbite and call your veterinarian immediately.
Never use hot water or hair dryers to try to warm pets up faster, and rubbing affected areas may cause permanent damage. Depending on the severity of frostbite, pets can lose affected body parts.
Pets with hypothermia shiver intensely and then may become lethargic. Their muscles might stiffen, and they may have difficulty breathing. Symptoms of advanced hypothermia include coma and cardiac arrest.
If you suspect a pet is suffering from hypothermia, get him into warm surroundings, wrap him in a warm blanket, and call your veterinarian immediately.
• Diana Stoll is the practice manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit their website at www.redbarnpetvet.com or call (847) 683-4788 or (847) 426-1000.