We are used to thinking about winterizing our vehicles, but those of us who share our lives with animals must remember to “winterize” our pets as well. Colder winter months and the busy holiday season can pose special health risks to pets. Help your furry friends weather the winter by considering a few simple tips.
Is antifreeze really a deadly poison?
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) has a sweet taste that many animals find irresistible. They may seek it out to drink it.
Unfortunately, it only takes a small amount to cause permanent and fatal damage to the kidneys. Never drain antifreeze into the street, be careful to wipe up any spills, and store antifreeze in tightly closed containers far out of the reach of pets (and children). No antifreeze product is truly safe.
My dog has a thick coat. Do I need to be concerned about windchill?
Windchill can be fatal, especially when combined with dampness, rain, sleet, or wet snow. It is best not to leave any dog outdoors unsupervised when the temperature drops. Cold, wet, windy snowstorms can often occur quickly and unexpectedly. Short-haired, very young, and senior dogs are at greatest risk of problems related to exposure to cold.
A dog is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors, but taken outside to relieve himself, go for a walk, or play a game of fetch with his owner. If your dog must live outside, protection from the elements is critical. An insulated doghouse is a must. It should be elevated a few inches above the ground to prevent moisture from accumulating inside.
Bedding (straw, blankets, or a padded bed) should cover the floor of the doghouse and be changed at least every one to two weeks. The house must be big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably, but small enough to contain body heat. The doorway of the doghouse should face away from prevailing winds, and burlap or canvas hung over the opening can act as a “door.”
Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter just to keep warm. Talk to your veterinarian about a specific dietary recommendation (and portion size) to ensure your pet meets his energy requirements. Adequate water is just as important as food to an outdoor dog’s health; check it frequently to make sure it is clean, fresh, and hasn’t frozen. Unless you use a heated bowl, consider using plastic bowls rather than metal. In low temperatures, a warm, wet dog tongue can stick and freeze to metal dishes.
Should I do something to protect my pet’s paws?
Pet paws, like human hands, are susceptible to frostbite. Remove caked ice from your dog's feet as soon as possible. Frostbitten skin may turn color, becoming reddish, gray, or white. It may become scaly and begin peeling. If you suspect frostbite, thaw out the affected areas slowly using warm, moist towels, and change them frequently. Have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage.
Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice have varying degrees of toxicity. Their effects depend on the ingredients and the amount ingested. These chemicals can burn the pads of a pet’s feet. If the pet then licks its feet to clean them, their mouth may be burned too. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel after any exposure. Read the labels of the products you use and take all recommended precautions.
Should I bring my outdoor rabbit inside to warm up during cold weather?
It is best for rabbits to always be housed indoors, but some bunnies do reside outside. It is tempting, when the weather gets colder, to allow rabbits to spend some time indoors to "give them a break" from the cold. However, an outdoor rabbit’s body has adapted to variations in the weather and can cope with the cold. When this rabbit is brought into the house, they become overheated and then succumb to the cold once they are returned to the outdoor environment. Pneumonia is a common outcome.
Rabbits that live outdoors must be protected from wind, rain, sleet, and snow. However, rapidly changing outdoor temperatures are a dangerous scenario. To keep your rabbit safe, consider creating a space for the rabbit’s hutch inside a garage during the cold winter months.
Common sense can help you keep pets out of harm’s way during the upcoming winter months. Consider the consequences as our furry family members face the frigid cold.
