Cold Weather Care for Dogs and Cats

Cold Weather Care for Pets - Part 1

(Article obtained from At Home - a special advertising section of the Daily Inter Lake dated Saturday, October 20, 2012.)

When temperatures drop, humans are not the only ones who feel the chill.  Cold weather also can take its toll on animals including dogs, cats, and birds.  Protecting pets when winter arrives involves modifying care tactics.
 
A major winter snowfall or simply a snap of cold weather can cause many problems for pets.  Much like humans, dogs and cats can experience frostbite on extremities when subjected to cold temperatures.  Ears, noses, and paws all may bear the brunt of cold weather, increasing the risk of injury.

Provide Warm Shelter

Although it may appear that pets are well insulated against cold temperatures, fur or feathers do not make pets impervious to the cold.  According to the ASPCA, fur wetted by snow may not dry quickly, putting animals at risk for a chill or even hypothermia.  As a precautionary measure, keep companion animals inside when temperatures drop below 30F.

If yours is an outside cat or dog, be sure that he or she is equipped with dry, draft-free shelter.  A dog house that is too large will not retain heat, so keep this in mind.  Reduce wind chill by placing the dog house where it will not be in the direct line of wind.  You may want to think about keeping the dog in an insulated shed or garage if you prefer not to move the pet inside. Cats can easily freeze while outdoors; therefore, it is safer to keep them inside.  Also, outdoors a cat may seek unsafe shelter, such as under the hoods of cars where they can be injured or killed if the car is started.

Dress Warmly

A mammal’s system for regulating heat can be compromised when there is excessive cold.  No matter its type of fur, a dog or cat may not be able to tolerate long periods of cold weather, unless it is a breed that was specifically bred for remaining outdoors in the cold, like a Malamute or Husky.  When venturing outside the use of a sweater or vest on short-haired dogs, but keep an eye on the pet.  Wearing a coat doesn’t mean he or she should be left outdoors unattended.

Cats probably will not tolerate any type of clothing.  If going outdoors to a vet appointment, use a carrier that is insulated from the cold with thick blankets.

Limit Drafts

Limit drafts around the house, which will increase your comfort and that of your companion animals.  Dogs and cats lie on the ground, where colder air tends to collect.  It may be several degrees cooler near the floor where they reside.  Check windows and doors for drafts.  If repairs or replacements aren’t financially possible, consider the use of draft guards or insulating curtains.  The measures will also protect pet birds.  Most birds that are kept as pets are from tropical climates and cannot tolerate severe cold temperatures.  Reduce risk of illness by keeping birds away from drafty windows and doors that open and close frequently during the winter.

Keep Them Leashed

Many dogs like to frolic in the snow, but snow can cause a pooch to lose his scent on the ground and get lost.  A dog also may run off and get smothered by tall snowdrifts or slip through the ice when not being able to gauge its surroundings.  It is best to keep dogs on leashes during any type of inclement weather.

Part 2, coming soon.

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Today's posted suggested by holistic dog food.

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Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

Article obtained from:
The Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT on Wed. Dec. 14, 2011

Take Extra Care with Pets in Cold Weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets. Help keep your pets safe during cold weather by following these simple guidelines:

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for supervised exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal.

* Wind chills can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog spends significant time outdoors, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* Salt and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet and may be harmful if ingested. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them to remove snow packed between your pet’s paws. Pet-friendly ice melts are available at many pet supply stores or online.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Consider using antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol, which is less toxic in small amounts than traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze.

* If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them. Information about building a shelter, spaying and neutering and more is available at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats or contact the Spay and Neuter Task Force.

* During the winter months, the happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks or exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

For more information or any questions, contact the Flathead County Animal Shelter at 752-1310 or go to www.flathead.mt.gov/animal. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 am to 4 p.m.

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Today's article was suggested by Lifes Abundance Dog Food and Lifes Abundance Cat Food and Lifes Abundance Pet Food.


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Preparing Your Dog for the Cold

The cold winds of winter are blowing through the nation.

Some states are experiencing colder temperatures and greater than expected snowfalls. So, what can you do to make sure your dogs (and cats) are prepared for the coming months? Here are a few helpful tips:

If your companion animal is older and arthritic, be sure not to leave her or him outside too long. Just as with humans, colder temperatures can make arthritic joints stiff and painful.

Dogs that are walked on sidewalks and streets need to have their paws cleaned upon re-entering the home. Ice, rock salt and other chemicals can collect in their pads and cause irritation. Not to mention that some chemicals could be harmful to their health if they are licked off.

If you live in an area where snows are frequent or deep, make sure to clear a spot in your yard for your dog to eliminate wastes.

Check outside water bowls frequently during the day for signs of freezing. You can purchase a heated bowl, at a fairly modest price, that ensures that your pet will always have access to tepid water even when the temperature drops.

And remember that companion animals have to burn more calories to stay warm during the cold months, especially if your pet will be outdoors frequently. Consider increasing the amount of food you feed by 10–20%.

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