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Winter has finally arrived in Western New York. During this blast of winter weather, don’t forget your pets! Cold weather creates its own set of stress for all animals, but your pet needs your attention now more than at almost any time of the year. So bundle up and keep warm during this first blast of winter weather if you must brave the great outdoors, otherwise keep warm inside….Cold Weather Safety Tips….
- When you take your inside pooch out for “bathroom break,” stay out with them. If you’re cold enough to go inside, it probably is too cold for the pet to stay out much longer as well.
- When you bring a pet in, wipe its paws and underside, making certain there are no ice balls clinging between the toes or on the sole of the foot. They can cause frostbite to an animal that is left outside for a significant time in sub-zero temperatures.
- Pets that move about on sidewalks, driveways or streets run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and other chemicals in their foot pads. Each time they are brought in, make certain to wipe all four feet thoroughly. There is a tendency for them to lick the salt off their feet, which can cause an inflammation of the digestive tract.
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When the temperatures reach sub-zero, it’s time to give the outdoor cat and dog a break and invite them in, even if it’s in the garage. This goes for Northern breeds like Siberian huskies or Malamutes as well as medium-coated German shepherds, golden retrievers, and others in our region where they may not be acclimated to such extremes. By “inside,” that doesn’t mean letting dogs and cats in and out of a warm house from night to day. Creating an abrupt temperature contrast can increase the risk of some infectious diseases. Consider housing them in the shelter of a well-built doghouse or bringing them into a tool shed or garage.- Horses and other livestock need a windbreak, cover, warm bedding, abundant high-quality feed, and fresh water, too. Cold weather alone won’t make healthy horses ill. But if exposed to soaking rains, snow and wind, they run the risk of catching pneumonia. Bedding like thick layers of straw or shavings is critical, since it will keep the animals off the cold, wet ground. Like pet shelters, the open side of any livestock enclosure should be faced be away from prevailing winds. Again, water must be heated or changed several times daily. A reduction in water intake and the resulting dehydration in horses can trigger colic.