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Heating
Up Chilly Dogs
Cold Weather Tips to Keep Pets Warm
By Bernadine Cruz, DVM
Provided by Pfizer
When the
seasons move from summer into fall and winter, people adjust
their routines and plan for colder weather. At the same time,
take a few minutes to prepare your pets for the changing seasons.
The following is a list of dos and don'ts to help you give
your pets the cold-weather care they deserve.
Do
provide proper shelter:
If
you can't keep your dog indoors during winter months,
provide an elevated structure with a door to protect pets
from wind and weather.
Provide
dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets
and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.
Find
a house large enough for you dog to be able to stand up
and turn around, but small enough to retain her body heat.
Do
provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.
Do
use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers,
ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution
even when the water appears completely frozen.
Do
keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep
paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between
footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.
Do
check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots
for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow
- especially dogs that react to snow removal products.
Do
clean your dog's paws after walks to remove salt and snow
removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.
Do
check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as
dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways
may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually
lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk
may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear
red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet
in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact
your veterinarian.
Do
provide the proper type and amount of food for the season.
Dogs housed outdoors and dogs that participate in strenuous
outdoor activities may require additional food during colder
weather. On the other hand, indoor dogs that exercise less
frequently in colder months may need less food.
Do
provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives
outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor
dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air.
Do
invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Watch for
telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver
in response to being chilled.
Do
keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods
of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible
to the effects of the cold.
Do
keep dogs on a leash - especially during bad weather or snowstorms
when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.
Do
pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences
and creating an escape route for curious pets.
Do
keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs
away.
Do
clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the
sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small
amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog
has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian
immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze
antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly
anti-freeze.
Do
maintain your pet's grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps
your dog's coat supple and prepared for the cold. However,
when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly
before allowing him outside.
Do
visit your veterinarian for a checkup before the cold weather
strikes. Cold weather may exacerbate certain conditions, such
as arthritis. Sudden changes in the weather or drops in temperature
may affect pets suffering from osteoarthritis.
Don't
suddenly house an indoor dog outdoors. Dogs require a month
or more (as seasons change) to become accustomed to lower
winter temperatures.
Don't
keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to
the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it's too
cold for any dog - even those accustomed to being outside.
Don't
treat all dogs alike. While some breeds such as Alaskan malamutes
or huskies may be able to spend long periods out of doors
in cold weather, other breeds such as greyhounds or Dobermans
to not have the same protective fur.
Don't
leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When
the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding
in the cold.
Dr.
Bernadine Cruz, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at Laguna
Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, California. She specializes
in small animal medicine and has been practicing veterinary
medicine for more than 16 years. She also serves as a volunteer
veterinarian for a number of organizations and has done veterinary
consulting for national television programs.
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