Cold Weather Tips

1. Do not leave your pets outdoors for long periods of time when the temperature drops below freezing. Pets that spend most of their time indoors need to adapt to colder temperatures by building up a thicker haircoat and by toughening up their foot pads to protect against the snow and ice. Even pets that are used to being outside should not be left outdoors for long periods of time when the weather is cold. If you must leave your pet outside for any length of time, be sure that they have a sheltered area to go to for protection from the wind and cold. You should also make sure to provide a heated water dish to ensure that your pet's water does not freeze.
2. A doggie coat or sweater should be considered for short-coated dogs, especially in very cold weather. Small dogs with short coats are especially vulnerable to cold, and may not be able to tolerate any excessive time outdoors in extremely cold weather. Many dogs also need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his or her paws, or whines and stops during walks, they are demonstrating that their feet are uncomfortably cold. It may be helpful to allow your dog to get used to wearing boots by having him or her practice wearing the boots before the cold weather sets in.
3. Dogs with long fur between their toes and footpads often develop ice balls in these areas. To prevent ice balls from forming, carefully trim the hair around your dog's feet (or have a groomer professionally trim the hair) and apply a small amount of edible oil such as PAM cooking spray, cooking oil, or Vaseline to your dog's feet before taking him or her for a walk in the snow. Most dogs will lick their paws after you apply the oil or spray, so be sure to use an edible product. The oil helps prevent ice balls from sticking. Always be sure to wipe any snow or ice off of your dog's feet after coming in from outside.
4. Be sure to wash your pet's paws after your walks, especially if you have walked on sidewalks or streets that have been salted. Salt is very irritating to footpads. It is a good idea to use salt that is “pet friendly” when salting your own sidewalks and driveway.
5. Use caution if you chose to let your cat outside during the winter months. Try to avoid allowing your cat outdoors when it is bitterly cold. Their ears are particularly susceptible to frostbite. Many cats will seek warmth by crawling onto a warm car engine. They can become seriously hurt, or even killed, if the car owner starts the car without knowing that the cat is sleeping on the engine. It is much safer to keep your cat indoors during the cold winter months.
6. Like most of us, many animals are less active during the winter. This means that they do not need as many calories as they do in the warmer months when they may be more active. You should consult with your veterinarian about reducing your pet's caloric intake over the winter to prevent excess weight gain.
7. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash when on snow or ice. This can be especially important if you and your dog are out in a snowstorm. Dogs can become lost very easily when there is snow on the ground because they lose their scent. More dogs are lost in the winter than at any other time of the year, so be sure that your dog has microchip identification and always wears ID tags.