It’s official, this has been the coldest month over the past 38 years for New York. Unfortunately, it’s only getting colder outside, with another bout of subzero temperatures on the way. With dangerous temperatures coming, we thought to remind everyone to take precautions for our four legged friends as well. These winter safety tips for pets will help prevent disaster and keep our beloved companions safe from a frigid February.
Ears, footpads, and the tip of the tail are especially vulnerable to frostbite. Signs of frostbite include red, pale, or grayish discolored skin, swelling, or blisters. Check beneath fur for hidden signs as well. Trim hair between each toe as a preventive measure. Treat with damp warm towels (not hot) and apply to the affected area. Wrap your pet in blankets and take to your Vet, to assess the extent of the tissue damage and proper treatment.
Always wipe your pet’s paws and belly with warm water when they come in. Road salt, antifreeze and other chemicals can cause gastric distress or much worse in animals. Salt and ice-melts can cause skin irritation, which causes pets to lick and ingest the toxins.
Clean up all spills in the garage or around the exterior parts of the house. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that appeals to dogs and cats and contains Ethylene Glycol, a deadly poison to pets. The safest solution would be using a Propylene Glycol product which is safer if accidentally ingested.
If your pet has most definitely ingested a deadly amount of Antifreeze, time is of the essence. Rush your pet to an animal Emergency Hospital, within an hour. If you have no option, induce vomiting by giving your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight, of hydrogen peroxide solution , with no more than three teaspoons given at once. This method should only be used if the toxin has been ingested within the past two hours, and should only be given three times, spaced apart at 10-minute intervals. Get your dog or cat to a Vet as soon as possible as kidney failure is an imminent threat.
Inspect footpads and in between for cuts due to ice or encrusted snow. Use sand, cat litter, or an animal-safe de-icer instead of salt-based melting products on your property. Make sure you rinse and dry your dog’s feet after every walk. Checking his paws regularly and trimming the hair between his toes (with blunt-ended scissors) will prevent frostbite.
For active outdoor pets, increase the amount you feed them by. Animals who play outside in the winter the same amount in warmer seasons will metabolize food 30% faster.
Prevent hypothermia by keeping old towels on hand to dry your pet off frequently. If signs like shivering and lack of movement are apparent, throw the towels in the dryer and wrap your pet in them while still warm. Be sure to wrap the towel around your pets chest and abdomen to keep vital organs warm.
If your pet is an outdoors only companion, exceptions must be made when the climate drops below 20 degrees fahrenheit. Leaving an innocent creature in temperatures that cold will result in death, not to mention facing possible cruelty charges, a criminal offense.
Elevate and draft-proof doghouses at least a 4 inches off the ground and fill with nonabsorbent bedding like hay. Water should be freeze proof. Pet stores carry heated water bowls specifically for winter climates.
Most feline breeds are not acclimated to survive in severely cold weather and should stay inside as much as possible.