Winters may be
getting warmer every year, but that doesn’t mean these frigid
temperatures and snow storms are going anywhere. It’s always best
to be prepared— you can stock up on rock salt, shovels, a generator
and warm clothing — but caring for your pets in the cold is another
matter.
The
Cold Outdoors
See
a dog out in the cold without proper shelter? Contact local law
enforcement. Dogs left in extreme temperatures, especially without
food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite or death.
Note the date, time, exact location, and type of animal involved.
Jot as many details as possible before contacting animal control or
local law enforcement with your complaint. Follow up in a few days if
the situation has not been remedied.
Paw
Protection
Daily
walks in the cold can harm your dog's paws. Keep them moisturized to
protect against salt and chemical agents. Use pet booties to
minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze
and chemical ice melting agents. Apply a dollop of petroleum jelly to
their paw pads before going outside.
Dos
and Don'ts
Closely
shave your dogs in winter. Longer coats mean more warmth. Consider a
coat or sweater for short haired breeds. Coverage from the base of
the tail to the belly provides extra warmth.
Ditch
the Bath
If
your dog must be bathed, ask your vet for a moisturizing shampoo or
rinse recommendation. Reduce bathing frequency during cold spells.
Drying can take too long, and washing too often can deplete essential
oils and increase dry, flaky skin.
Check
Before You Rev
Outdoor,
stray and feral cats sometimes sleep under car hoods to stay warm.
But the fan belt can injure or kill a cat when the motor starts. To
avoid catastrophe – bang loudly on your hood before starting the
engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
