12/27/2023 0 Comments Dogs that stay smallWhen you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet's feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur. Wipe down: During walks, your dog's feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog's feet if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. ![]() Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. ![]() ![]() You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog's toes. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. 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.Ĭheck the paws: Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it's deadly. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. It's a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it's untrue. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs. Provide choices: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. If you need help determining your pet's temperature limits, consult your veterinarian. The same goes for very young and very old pets. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. You will probably need to shorten your dog's walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. Know the limits: Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it's as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather. Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather: You're probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets' health? American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR).Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation.AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN).Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).
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