Cold Weather Safety Tips

The mercury is dropping and that can bring on some new hazards for our pets. During the cold weather months, veterinarians and animal hospitals around the country see an increasing number of pet emergencies brought on by the harsh weather. Here are some tips from the ASPCA on how to minimize pet emergencies during cold weather.

*Monitor the time the pet spends outdoors. The family dog needs to go outside regularly, but should not spend an extended period outdoors when the weather is cold. When the dog lets you know they are cold, let them right back inside. Avoid letting the dog get chilled. When it snows out, the dog's legs are directly in the cold snow. Their legs can stiffen quickly, making it difficult to walk, especially as they age.

*When outdoors with your pet, be aware of signs that signify they are having problems with the cold. These include shivering, whining, appearing anxious, seeking out warm places and moving slow or not at all. Signs of hypothermia are shivering, lethargy and weakness. If any of these signs occur, wrap your pet in warm blankets and get to the veterinarian or animal hospital immediately.

* If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness, or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve him.

* Keep your cat inside. In the cold outdoors, cats are at risk for freezing to death.

* Cats seek shelter in places that provide protection from the elements, including car engines. Before starting your car, loudly bang on its hood to give any outdoor cat that may be sleeping there a chance to escape. Cats can be injured or killed by the fan belt if they are under the hood of a car.

* Keep your dog leashed on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, and be sure I.D. tags are on. Dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.

* Wipe your pet's legs and stomach thoroughly after coming in from snow, sleet, or ice. Cats and dogs, in particular, can ingest salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals while licking their paws. In addition, paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

* If you have a short-haired dog, consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.

*Never leave your dog or cat alone in the car during cold weather. Since a car holds in the cold, your pet can freeze to death.

* Puppies are not as tolerant to the cold as adult dogs. If you're trying to housebreak your puppy during the winter, it may be best to paper train inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

*Antifreeze and coolant are lethal for dogs and cats. If antifreeze or coolant leaks or spills from your vehicle be sure to clean it up thoroughly. As an alternative, pet owners should consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

*Keep alert for signs of frostbite. If you see ice crystals forming on your pet’s ears, paws, or tail, bring the animals indoors and soak these areas in warm water for about 20 minutes or until the ice crystals melt. Then wrap your pet in warm blankets and call your veterinarian. The doctor will access the damage of the frostbite and arrange for appropriate treatment.

*If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.

*During the winter, leave your dog’s coat longer for more warmth.

*When you bathe your dog, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk on cold days.

*Provide your pet with a warm place to sleep away from all drafts and the cold floor. Some options are a dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

*Remember if you’re feeling the extreme cold all bundled up, so is your pet. However, they don’t have the luxury of a winter coat, wool hat, scarf, mittens, and ear muffs, so try to keep your pet inside as much as you can on frigid days.