Cold Weather Tips...
Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you
protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.
Keep pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any
antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets but is deadly,
even in very small amounts.
Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets
below freezing. Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to
cold temperatures. They must build up a thicker coat and get their
footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too chilled can
develop hypothermia or even frostbite. Ear tips are especially
susceptible to frostbite.
Short-coated dogs (Greyhounds, Dobermans, Boxers and Boston Terriers)
should not go outside without a coat or sweater in very cold weather,
except to relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats (Chihuahuas,
miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds) are especially
vulnerable to cold, and may not be able to tolerate any outdoor
exercise in extremely cold weather.
Many dogs also need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length.
If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops during its
walks, it is demonstrating that its feet are uncomfortably cold. Be
sure to get your dog used to wearing boots before the cold weather
sets in.
Dogs with long fur on the bottom of their paws often develop ice balls
between the pads and toes of the feet. To prevent ice balls from
forming, trim the hair around your dog's feet. Apply a small amount of
Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before taking
him for a walk in snow. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking.
Make sure you use edible oil; most dogs will lick their paws after you
apply the oil.
If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash his
paws after your walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Gently rub
the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as your dog is off
the road.
Many animals are less active during the winter, and don't as many
calories as in the warmer months. Reduce your pet's diet during the
winter, to avoid excessive weight gain. You may wish to consult with
your veterinarian about the right winter food portions for your pet.
Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in
out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other
potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw
pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
It makes sense; if you normally have their hair rather short, allow
them to grow it a little longer during the winter for extra
protection.
Snow can get lodged between dogs' toes and freeze, causing pain and
discomfort Trim the hair between the toes and keep the nails cut short
to make it easier for dogs to walk in icy areas and to prevent
accidents.
