At first glance, pets may seem especially well prepared for the elements with their fur, but they are just as susceptible to the effects of winter weather as humans. As the mercury drops, it is important to remember if the weather is too cold for people to be comfortable outdoors, the same goes for pets.
The following are some tips to keep your pets safe, healthy and happy during the winter months.
—While the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society believes all pets should be kept inside during extreme weather spells, pets living outside need their shelters lined with straw. Fire-proof, hard-surface heating pads can also be used for added warmth. Be sure all shelters adhere to the law of adequate cover and allow pets ample room to stand, turn around and lie down. In cold weather, shelters must also be warm, dry, draft-free and offer pets protection from other threats;
—Pets who stay inside will enjoy the warmth of an extra blanket when the cold weather sets in. (Beware of blankets outdoors. They can become wet and turn into blocks of ice when temperatures dip below freezing.) Small fleece blankets are inexpensive, easy to launder and add just the right amount of additional warmth and coziness for people and pets alike. If you really want to treat your pet, swap out their usual bed for a faux-shearling-lined one;
—Help pets avoid puddles of antifreeze that drip from radiators and clean up any leaks. The fluid contains ethylene glycol, which pets will lap up if given the chance since it tastes sweet. This is a common and completely avoidable cause of pet deaths. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, get him or her to the veterinarian immediately;
—When it comes to leaving pets in the car for a short period of time, the window of weather in which this is actually safe is terribly narrow. We are all aware of how quickly a car can become a veritable oven in warm temperatures. However, a car can become like a refrigerator in cold temperatures. If heading out, plan to leave pets safely and warmly at home;
—At some point, we have all been told by a caregiver to bundle up in cold weather. The same goes for pets. While some dogs appear almost embarrassed to be caught in a canine sweater or coat, many actually enjoy them and not just because they are fashionable. Sweaters and coats help all of us retain body heat needed to stay warm and healthy when venturing outdoors; and
—When returning from the walk around the block or trip to the dog park, be sure to clean your pet’s paws with warm water and dry them. Also worth the time and extra laundry is wiping paws down with a towel. Both measures will remove any debris, salt or chemicals encountered.
Have questions about how you can keep your pets healthy and safe in the winter months? Share them with the GMHS team via Facebook or call at 804-693-5520.