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Keeping Your Pet Safe from Winter Woes
Winter Weather Tips
Although the recent warm weather makes the season feel like spring,
winter's frosty bite, which many people across the nation are already
feeling, can have devastating effects on cats.
Following is a list of safety tips to help you and your feline and K-9
companion avoid cold-weather dangers:
Keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit,
you’ll need to keep all of your pets indoors. Shorthaired dogs, cats and
puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Don't let their fur coats fool you. Cats, even feral cats, do not have the
natural ability to survive lengthy stays outside when the weather drops. Of
course, it is always better to leave your cat indoors no matter what the
weather, but if your cat insists on going outside, pay attention to the
temperature and limit her time accordingly. In extreme temperatures cats
left outside for just a few minutes can suffer hypothermia and even death.
Frostbite can also occur, most frequently on extremities, such as paw pads,
ears and nose. Signs of distress include shivering, cold extremities or
depression. If you think your cat is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia,
contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep her warm with blankets, and if
frostbite is present, do not massage the area.
Keep your pet’s coat well groomed. Matted fur won’t properly protect your
pet from the cold. Other chemicals are also dangerous to Fluffy. Salt and
de-icing chemicals cannot only irritate her paws, but can be toxic if she licks
her feet. If she does go outside, remember to wipe her paws with a moist
cloth afterward. Also, remember to check your shoes each time you come
inside for any dangerous substances. Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s
feet and underside. Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of
your pet’s feet and will cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to
protect your dog’s feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray
or you can purchase boots for your pet.
Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze and other chemicals.
Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are very poisonous if
consumed and can be fatal. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze,
contact your veterinarian immediately. Consider using pet-safe antifreeze.
Antifreeze is one of the most overlooked dangers of winter. Its sweet taste
is very appealing to animals and children, and even tiny doses of it can be a
lethal poison for cats. Unfortunately, by the time your cat begins to show
signs of antifreeze poisoning, it is too late to save her. Be sure to clean up
any spills, both outside and in your garage. Pay attention to your shoes when
using antifreeze, as it may spill and splash on your shoes, which are then
brought indoors when your cat can find them, licking the substance from
them. Store antifreeze in sealed containers, preferably in locked cabinets.
To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animalfriendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than the traditional
products containing the toxic ethylene glycol.
Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it isn’t frozen. When your pet
is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available.
Animals can’t burn calories without a fresh supply of water and if they can’t
burn calories, they can’t keep warm. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or
hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet’s tongue can
stick and freeze to cold metal.
Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for
any period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay
down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his body heat. The floor
should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar
shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the
wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy
plastic. Make sure your cat has a warm place to sleep away from all drafts
and off the cold floor. If you do not let her share your bed, make sure she
has a comfortable cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it. Not
only will she be safer and more comfortable, you will feel better knowing
that you are providing her with a safe and loving environment.
Get into the habit of slapping the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In
their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take refuge next to a warm
car engine or tire. A common danger for free-roaming cats in the winter is
car engines. Cats often seek shelter from the cold on the warm engines, and
each year, numerous cats are injured or killed by fan belts. If you live in an
area where cats tend to roam outside, bang on the hood or tap the horn
before starting your car to alert any unsuspecting felines and wait a few
seconds to give them time to escape.
Keep snow from piling high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will
provide a boost for your dog to jump over the fence and escape the safe
confines of your yard.
Consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during colder weather. If
your dog stays indoors more, he’s probably getting less exercise and may
need less food; however, if your pet is outside often he may need more food
to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat.
Leaving cats inside parked cars is also dangerous. Just as you wouldn't leave
your cat in a parked car in the summer for fear of heat stress, don't leave
your cat in the car for even a few minutes in the winter. A car can act as a
refrigerator, holding in the cold, and your cat could freeze to death in a
short amount of time.
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