Keeping Pets Safe In The Cold
Winter Is Coming, How Do You Keep Your Animals Well?
Honora Swanson
November 16, 2010
KJCT Original Article
REDLANDS, Colo. – With cold temperatures starting to be the norm, the safety of our pets becomes an issue.
Speaking with a local vet, there are few things every pet owner should keep in mind:
Make sure your animal's water bowl isn't frozen.
A veterinarian at Tiara Rado Animal Hospital also says it's important that people bring their pets at night to avoid hypothermia. Certain breads that handle the cold a bit better, can be safe outside as long as their area or bedding is well insulated.
"(With) a really large size dog house that's six feet high, all their body heat is going to emanate away and it won't really keep them warm," veterinarian Bob Marquis said. "But those 'dog-gloos' shaped like igloos those are really good."
He also recommends using a sweater to cover smaller dogs who may need a little extra warmth.
Keeping your animal's fur well groomed may be necessary as well, since ice and snow can attach itself to their fur. But, again, mind the dog's temperature if they are used to having long hair.
Another concern is anti-freeze. Marquis says dogs and cats are attracted to the chemical because they like the taste. If you spill anti-freeze or see it on the ground, make sure to dilute it.
If you like to take your dog out on walks near water, mind frozen over lakes and ponds. If the ice breaks, not only is the water around freezing, but the dog can get stuck.
Even if your dog or cat is indoors, they still may get cold, especially if there's a draft. If your pet has arthritis, this may be pretty painful.
