Winter is in full-force and many areas of the country are down-right cold. This is a good time to remind everyone to think about how the cold might effect your pets. Just because they have fur coats doesn’t mean they can tough out a cold snap. A lot of pets are just as vulnerable as people when it comes to cold weather. Here are some tips to help your pet get through the really cold days.
Whenever possible, keep your pet inside when the temperature drops . My beagle, Parker, is usually outdoors but even with his dog house he’d have a hard time being outside all day. Pets, like people, can get frostbite on their ears if left in the cold. So instead I keep Parker in the house and made a deal with my neighbor to come over and let him out a few times during the day while we are at work. She’s making some extra cash and Parker is a very warm and happy boy.
If you leave a dish of water outside for animals, check it often to make sure it hasn’t frozen over.
If chemicals are used on your sidewalks and streets to treat snow and ice, always wipe your pets’ feet off after walking them. These chemicals can irritate their feet, and can be dangerous if they lick their paws and ingest the chemicals.
If your dog has short-hair, consider putting a coat or sweater on him when going for walks. Not all dogs will let you dress them, however, so be prepared to alter your walk schedule, perhaps taking several short walks instead of one long one.
And as with anytime of year, always have the phone numbers of your regular vet and 24-hour vet clinic handy in case of emergency.
