Submitted by Ruth McDaniel
Brrrr! They are forecasting we may have record-breaking cold next week as an Arctic air mass makes its way into the Ohio Valley. Lows well below zero are expected. We will bundle up, put anti-freeze in the car, wrap exposed plumbing….but what do we do for our four-legged friends? Please don’t assume that just because animals have a fur coat, that they are able to withstand the bitter cold. They can develop frostbite and hypothermia just like us humans. Animals should be moved indoors in this type of severe cold or they may not survive. If this is not possible, there are some precautions to take to help protect them.
Outdoor dogs and cats need adequate shelter. A dog house or cat house should be draft free and insulated. It should be elevated at least a few inches off the ground and should have straw, blankets or cedar chips for the animal to curl up in. The house should be facing away from the wind, and the opening should be covered, perhaps with heavy plastic. The size of the dwelling is important….and no, bigger is not always better ! It should be large enough for the pet to sit and lie down comfortably, yet small enough for the pet to be able to reabsorb some of it own body heat. Recently warming pads for animal use have become popular. They are a great invention if used properly. You never want the animal to lie directly on the pad to avoid burns. Using items like a space heater can pose a fire hazard. Please be cautious !
Adequate food and water are imperative in the cold. Outdoor animals will require an increase in food and water intake during the winter. Water freezes very quickly in these temperatures, so watering once a day will not be adequate. Devices to heat the water bowl can be a Godsend. Many places sell heater water bowls for about $20. Unfortunately, most require being plugged into an electrical outlet, so this must be close enough to the pet’s dwelling to be used. Be aware that if your pet likes to chew on power cords, this could be dangerous. Also, be sure your pet’s water bowl is not made of metal. The animal’s tongue can stick and freeze to the metal in extreme cold.
There are some hidden dangers in winter for our pets. You may be surprised to know that antifreeze is deadly for pets. Apparently antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals, so be careful to keep it where your pets have no access to it. Be sure to clean up even small spills of the chemical to insure safety. Chemical de-icers and salt can be irritants for your pets. Wipe your pet’s paws after they have been exposed. Also, remember that cats and sometimes wild creatures will be drawn to the heat of your car engine. Many cats have been killed because it was resting in the engine area of a car that was unwittingly re-started. Bang the hood of your car a few times before starting it as a safety measure. Be cautious about leaving your car running in a closed garage. Carbon Monoxide, the “odorless killer”, can kill not just your pets, but your family too!
The cold is also difficult on animals that are indoor-outdoor pets. Consider sweaters for the very short-haired breeds like dachshunds. Monitor the paws of your animals, as that area is quite prone to frostbite. Animals with longer fur will sometimes develop little “snowballs” between their paw pads which can be damaging. Trimming that fur would be a good idea. Be especially careful with elderly and arthritic pets. The cold, snow and ice will make them more stiff and prone to injury. Don’t not let pets run lose on waterways you believe to be frozen. Too often we see the videos of animal struggling after falling through the ice!
Remember the motto, “Better Safe Than Sorry” when it comes to dealing with the safety of your loved ones, including your pets!
