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When the Weather Outside is Frightful
Please be advised of the following cold weather tips for your pet(s) this
winter, for hypothermia and frostbite are always concerns.
- If it's too cold outside for you, chances are it is too cold outside
for your pet. If your pet(s) spend a great deal of time outdoors it
is important that you provide them with some type of housing that will
offer them warm, dry refuge from the wind and inclement weather common
during the winter months. Use straw or cedar shavings for bedding, as
blankets and towels can absorb water and freeze easily.
- Geriatric pets should be limited to the amount of time they are allowed
to spend outdoors during the winter months. The older the pet, the more
sensitive they are to the cold.
- Pets spending lots of time outside could benefit from some extra kibbles
at dinnertime. In order to keep warm during the cold, winter months,
your pet will burn more calories than they would at any other time of
the year. Help your outdoor pet by increasing their caloric intake.
Contact your veterinarian to discuss amounts.
- Keep that water bowl fresh and unfrozen -- dehydration is a concern
in the winter months as well!
- Check your pet's paws regularly. Ice, snow and salt can accumulate
between their pads, making walking difficult and uncomfortable for them.
- Watch out for antifreeze. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) tastes and
smells sweet but is deadly to your cat or dog. Make sure to dispose
of old antifreeze properly and contact your veterinarian if you notice
that your pet has become ataxic, begun to vomit, appears to be sluggish
or in kidney failure. These are all symptoms of antifreeze ingestion.
- On especially cold days, your pet will likely appreciate a warm sweater
of fleece for some additional warmth.
- CATS!!! Outdoor cats will often climb up into the warm engine of your
car, so be sure to avoid any tragedies by checking under the hood of
your car before starting up the engine and heading out for the day.
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