Protect your four-legged friends from freezing temperatures

January 18, 2011

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. This week is expected to bring the coldest stretch of days so far this winter. Animal Humane Society urges pet owners to think twice when letting pets outside during the cold winter days and nights. Temperatures below freezing along with wind chill can prove deadly for our domesticated pets. “It’s important to remember that animals are affected by the cold just like people are,” says Cindy Johnson, director of customer service at Animal Humane Society. “If it is too cold to send your children outside to play, it’s too cold for your pets.”
 

The following are notes on how to keep your pets safe during the blistering cold winter months:

Indoor pet tips:

• During severe weather, dogs should be let out only to relieve themselves.
• Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paws and coat immediately.
• Before walks, put Vaseline or doggie shoes on your dogs' paws to protect him/her from sidewalk salt and chemicals; wipe the Vaseline off when back inside.
• Make sure your pet’s bed is not on the floor in a cold or drafty area of your home.
• Indoor dogs typically receive less exercise during cold weather and therefore may require fewer calories; feed smaller portions in order to avoid weight gain.
• Indoor exercise playgroups such as Yappy Hour at Animal Humane Society are a great option.

Outdoor pet tips:

• Minnesota state law governs all companion animals be provided shelter from the elements. In severe weather, allow your pet to be in your house or garage.
• Outdoor pets typically need more food in cold weather because they must burn more calories to keep warm.
• Check for frostbite, especially on paws and ears.
• Keep an eye out for and clean up all antifreeze spills—one lick of the sweet-tasting fluid can be fatal to an animal.
• Cats have been known to climb onto vehicle engines for warmth; knock on the hood of your car before starting the engine if you suspect a one could be inside.
• Make sure your pet’s water is never frozen.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia—weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure.

If you have additional questions or concerns about how to care for your pet in subzero temperatures, please check with your veterinarian on what you can do.

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