WINTER TIPS
FOR COMPANION ANIMALS
Courtesy & ©WSPA




When the temperature begins to dip, you automatically begin to dress warmer and take other steps to prepare yourself for the cold winter months. But what about your dogs and cats? Companion animals suffer from the same problems in cold weather that humans do and often need help to face the challenge of the changing seasons. By taking some simple steps, you can keep your companion animals healthy, happy and safe all year long.

When possible, keep your cats inside. Cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, or be injured or killed when left unattended outside. Cats who are allowed to stray are also exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies.

• Outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars, seeking the warmth from the engine, and can be injured or killed by the fan belt when the car is started. Before starting your car on cold mornings, bang on the hood or beep your horn to give sleeping cats time to escape.

• Always keep your dog on its leash in snow or on ice, especially during a snowstorm, as dogs can lose their scent and become lost. More dogs are lost during winter than any other season, so make sure they always wear I.D. tags.

• Thoroughly wipe off your dog or cat's legs, stomach and feet when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Toxic salts, antifreeze or other chemicals may stick to fur and be ingested while grooming. Also, snow and ice can be painful to his paws and may cause his paw pads to bleed.

• If your dog has short hair, consider getting him 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. While this may seem like a luxury, it can be a necessity for many dogs and sometimes, even cats.

• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for warmth. Always be sure your dog is completely dry after bathing prior to taking him out for a walk and watch for signs of frostbite. Frostbite symptoms include pale skin cool to the touch and decreased sensitivity.

• Just as you should never leave your dog or cat closed in your car during the heat of summer, you should also never leave your companion alone in a car during cold weather. A car acts as a refrigerator in the winter, locking in the cold and possibly freezing your dog or cat to death.

• If you dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. Also, puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter months. You may have to paper train your puppy if he or she appears to be sensitive to the weather.

• Antifreeze is a deadly poison for dogs and cats! Though they love its sweet taste and smell, just two tablespoons can kill a 65 lb. dog. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol, such as the Sierra brand. Though a bit more expensive, this is a safe alternative and can provide you with peace of mind.

If you suspect that your companion animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Antifreeze is highly toxic and rapidly absorbed - initial signs appear approximately one hour after ingestion. An animal that has ingested antifreeze will often act as if intoxicated with alcohol - stumbling, vomiting and depressed. The kidneys are the most severely affected and even if the animal seems to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to kidney failure.

• Cold, damp weather can aggravate arthritis in dogs and cats just as it can in humans. Arthritis appears in both young and old animals. Animals who are overweight or have suffered injuries, such as a bone fracture, may also be more susceptible. If your dog or cat is having trouble standing up or laying down, navigating the stairs, or has started to snap or cry when picked up, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. Remember, never medicate your animals with human prescriptions or over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian first. One Tylenol tablet can be fatal to a cat.

• Each night before you go to bed to snuggle under your covers, make sure your dog or cat has a warm place to sleep as well. Bedding, such as a blanket or pet bed, should be placed away from all drafts and off the floor to ensure your dog or cat will have a warm, peaceful night's rest.

All companion animals should be kept indoors in extremely cold weather, rain or snow. However, if a dog or cat must be kept outdoors, follow these basic guidelines:

• Outdoor cats and dogs need more calories to maintain enough body fat for extra warmth. Consult your veterinarian about a proper winter diet.

• If your companion animal is housed outside, make sure that adequate shelter to protect them from wind, moisture and cold is provided. Take extra care to ensure that he or she is comfortable and can get into and out of their housing easily. A heavy rug or piece of carpet attached to the doorway will help keep drafts out and body heat in.

• The floor should be elevated several inches off the ground and the roof slanted so that rain and snow will not collect.

• Make sure your dog or cat has plenty of food and fresh water, and that water is not frozen (Pet stores sell -Pail de-icers- to keep drinking water unfrozen). Avoid metal bowls as an animal's tongue can stick to freezing metal.

• Use wood shavings or straw for bedding, not old rugs and blankets (your dog or cat may track in moisture that can turn to ice).

Regardless of the season, whether it's winter's chill or summer's heat, your dogs and cats deserve a safe haven, plenty of food, fresh water, and lots of affection. When in doubt about your companion's proper care or health, always consult your veterinarian.