| dean
vickers' do's and don'ts |
|
Keeping your Pet Safe and Healthy During the
Winter Months |
back
to Dean Vickers' pet tips
As tough as the bitter cold temperatures and frigid
winds of winter are on us, they can be even tougher on
pets. Just because your pet has a fur coat, it doesn’t
necessarily mean they can endure the cold weather. Sure,
some dogs love the snow and cold and are able to
tolerate it better than other dogs. My Chow loves this
time of year; the more snow the better for her; not so
with my short -haired Ridgeback mix. Although it can be
a struggle to coax the Chow inside, it is important to
remember that dogs and cats are domesticated animals,
and are as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors
as we are.
So when the mercury drops, follow these guidelines to
help protect your pets.
INS AND OUTS OF WINTER
- Letting dogs outside to run around and exercise
is important to their health and happiness. During
the cold winter months, though, you need to take
some precautions. First, decide when cold is too
cold. A good rule of thumb: Long-haired dogs can
play outside for short periods of time when it's
above 20°F; short-haired dogs, young pups, and
elderly dogs should wait until the mercury rises to
40°F.
- It is no secret that I do not support having
indoor/outdoor cats. Cats will live longer and
healthier lives if they remain safely confined in
your home—regardless of the season. If your cat has
been allowed outdoors before, winter is the perfect
time to transition your furry friend to being an
indoor-only cat.
BUNDLE UP
- When your dog does venture outside for a walk or
to play, keep him or her covered from head to paw.
Invest in a doggie coat or sweater—especially for
your short-haired pet. You may also want to consider
covering sensitive paws with booties. Another tip:
Keep your pet well-groomed—matted fur is not very
efficient at insulating. And while your pets are
outside, keep a close eye on them. If you see
shivering, it's time to come in. According to the
American Animal Hospital Association, animals are
vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia in less than
an hour. After you get back from your walk, wipe off
your dogs feet. It’s not just good for keeping the
house clean; it also wipes off the salt and
chemicals that people use to melt snow and ice.
MORE SUSTENANCE, BETTER HEALTH
- Dogs who spend time running around outside in
the cold may need more food than usual. That's
because they burn extra energy to keep warm. You
should also always have fresh water available when
they come in. If you put a dish outside, use a
plastic one, instead of aluminum—animals' tongues
can stick to cold metal—and make sure the water is
clear of ice.
WATCH FOR HIDDEN DANGERS
- Some of winter's less obvious hazards come not
from the cold, but from what we do to fight it. The
rock salt and chemicals we use to melt snow on
pavement can burn and chafe padded paws. Wipe your
dog's feet down with a warm, damp towel whenever he
or she comes in from outside.
- Antifreeze is another concern. It tastes sweet, but
even a teaspoon is enough to kill your pets. If they get
even a couple of licks, they need to get to the
veterinarian immediately. Make sure to check regularly
under your car and clean up any pools of the green
liquid that may be forming. Better yet, look for
pet-friendly antifreeze that isn't fatal if swallowed in
small amounts and that contains a bittering agent.
- Then there's the lure of a warm engine for a
cold animal. Slap your car's hood before starting
the car to make sure no shivering animals have
sought refuge there.
- Winter can be hard on our animal friends, and it
takes more than love to keep them warm and safe.
With these suggestions your pets will be welcoming
the warm weather again in good health.
| written by Dean Vickerss |
| Dean Vickers is the Ohio State Director
for The Humane Society of the United States.
He can be reached at
dvickers@hsus.org or by calling
614-607-7139. |
|
