SFVA Paws to Consider: Take the bite out of winter for animals
It looks like winter is here to stay. Most of us don’t like the cold that much and animals are no different. With the exception of a few dog breeds such as Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, and Huskies or malamutes, the majority of animals need to be warm and dry. Even the aforementioned breeds can only tolerate so much when it comes to harsh winter temperatures and wind chills.
Pet owners must realize that dogs and cats need to be indoors during the winter, with short spurts outside for exercise or to relieve themselves. Some dogs may be outside for longer periods of time if provided with a heated or insulated doghouse. However, they can’t be left outside for long periods of time without the risk of frozen ears, tails or paws. Cats cannot be left outside. They require somewhere out of the elements even if they are feral or barn cats. All animals require adequate food and access to unfrozen water to maintain their body temperature.
When deciding whether to walk your pet in the winter consider the following: the age of your pet (older dogs with arthritis or other chronic diseases and young pups are more susceptible to the cold); the length and thickness of their coats (shorthaired animals may require a coat or sweater); and short-legged pets will be more intolerant to snow on their bellies and in their paws. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian. Remember, you couldn’t survive winter weather without proper apparel and footwear, and neither can your pet.
Provide choices for your pet. Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.
Cats are attracted to warm places. A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood. Also, clean up any leaking or spilled fluids from under your vehicle. Antifreeze can be attractive to animals due to its sweet taste or smell, but even a small amount can be deadly. And when your pets are indoors be alert to medication bottles, household chemicals, and potentially toxic foods such as onions, xylitol (a sugar substitute) and chocolate.
Avoid ice. When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You don’t know if the ice will support your dog’s weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog both of your lives could be in jeopardy. Also, when walking your dog, check its paws regularly to make sure ice and snow have not compacted between their toes and around their pads. Some dogs will also tolerate dog boots. And it’s a good idea to apply petroleum jelly to the pads of your dog’s paws to keep them from cracking.
Recognize problems. If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Be prepared. Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards, and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.
Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives the pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight won’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.
If you notice dogs or cats that appear to be in distress, please contact the animal control officer through the Valley City Police Department (if you live within the city limits). Also, please make sure your pet is licensed and microchipped. It helps authorities, veterinarians, or the Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals identify who the owner is and could bring your pet home safely.
We hope you will consider donating to Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals during Giving Tuesday in November and while deciding your end-of-the-year giving. We can only help as many animals as we have funding available. Anyone who is interested in fostering an animal is encouraged to apply online at www. svfanimals.org. We appreciate your support!