As we all know, winter in the Midwest can be brutal, especially along the Lakefront. While humans can bundle up and stay protected from the harsh elements, pets need to be taken care of, just like children. As a pet owner myself to two Portuguese Waterdogs, Bear (2 years) and Teddy (4 months) see above in the picture, here's a few helpful pointers to keep your pets safe this season.
- When the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, keep your pets indoors as much as possible limiting their outdoor time for potty breaks.
- “Outdoor” dogs should have a dry, comfortable, draft-free doghouse large enough to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Pet stores carry safe heated floor mats and non-electric warm bedding. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
- Did you know pets require more calories in lower temperatures because cold and snowy conditions make exercise for them more strenuous? Higher fuel intake helps your pet maintain body temperature. Check with your vet on how much more food your pet requires during the winter months.
- Make sure your furball has fresh water at all times as dehydration is more common in the winter. Check the water bowl regularly to ensure it’s full and most importantly, unfrozen.
- If your dog is a short-hair, consider buy him a sweater for his daily walk to help him keep his body temperature up.
- Your pet’s skin is dryer in the winter and can result in “doggie dandruff” and even cracking and bleeding. Check with your vet to see if he recommends adding a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to your pet’s food.
- Keep an eye on the clock when your dog goes outside to play. Paw pads can become frostbitten. Use an old towel to wipe off paws when he comes inside.
- After a heavy snowfall, be sure to shovel a path in your yard so your dog doesn’t have to work hard to find a place to urinate.
- In really frigid weather, don’t take long walks. The salt and chemicals used to de-ice roads can irritate paws, and when your dog licks his paws later, the chemicals can irritate his digestive tract. If your dog’s paws do come in contact with these substances when out for a walk, rinse the feet off and dry thoroughly once you’re back inside.
- Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid spilled on your driveway smell sweet and taste good to both dogs and cats. As little as a teaspoon of these substances can kill your pet. Symptoms to look for: acting “drunk”; lack of coordination; vomiting; depression; and increased water intake and urination are all signs that your pet has imbibed. Call your vet immediately if you suspect antifreeze poisoning - t can kill in as little as four hours.
- Cold weather aggravates arthritis. Even young pets are at risk for this complaint, especially in overweight pets. If your pet is having trouble getting up or laying down, climbing the stairs or has started to snap or cry when picked up, call your vet, who can offer several treatments for this condition. Never medicate your dog with human medicine of any kind. One acetaminophen tablet can kill a cat.
- Winter dangers lurk inside the house as well. Keep your pet away from fireplaces, space heaters and propane heaters. Just one swish of the tail can knock a heater over singing or burning the fur.
If you see an animal left out in the cold, speak to its owner or notify your local police or animal welfare agency.
In good health,
Daniel