As the cold winter approaches its peak in December and January, people double down on their attention to clothing and adopt strategies to stay warm and healthy. But what about your pets at home? Are you planning
to travel to snowy areas to enjoy Alpine-like conditions? Either way, it is important for pet parents to embrace measures to keep their fur buddies warm and free from the dangers of extreme temperatures.
“The best time to prepare for weather is before you have that weather,” said Dr Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, as quoted by The Hindustan Times. “The same thing you would do for children in your house, do for your pet.” According to Bailey, pet owners must prepare beforehand to safeguard their pets from risks associated with winter.
Experts’ Health Tips To Protect Pets From Winter Threats
If you are living or planning to travel to areas where there is snowfall, experts suggest pet owners recognise the signs of hypothermia and frostbite to avoid their pets coming in contact with antifreeze and de-icing chemicals. It is also advised to take precautionary steps to mitigate the effects of snow, rain, wind and ice.
“When you think of dogs, you think, well, they already have a fur coat, so they should be fine in the cold, but that isn’t necessarily true,” said Amy Hrin, who works with the American Humane Society. The measures to adopt may also vary depending on the breed, size and age of the pet, as well as the prevailing temperatures and how cold the pet may feel.
While parts of India often approach temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius during the peak winters, many cities in the USA hit the freeze and get so cold that smaller and older pets experience multiple health concerns.
Dogs are usually at a heightened risk of frostbite once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if the surroundings are damp. It leaves their paws, ears and tails more vulnerable. If the condition persists, it may turn into hypothermia that can be deadly if untreated.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, mild hypothermia can begin when your dog’s body temperature drops below 98°F. You can gauge the danger signs by noticing if there is a drop in reflexes, increased heart rate or breathing difficulties.
In Cold, Don’t Limit The Pet To Indoors
Another major health concern for the pets during winter is associated with de-icing salts and chemicals, which can irritate paw pads, dry them out or worse, burn them. If the animal licks its paws, de-icing salts and chemicals may also cause indigestion and gut problems. The American Humane Society says cleaning paws after walks and applying paw balms can mitigate this risk.
Antifreeze is another winter-related pet risk, which can cause damage to the kidneys and be fatal if not noticed and treated properly. If your pet is exhibiting drooling, vomiting, seizures and lethargy, it’s a warning sign for you to immediately act.
“The ethylene glycol in it is very dangerous. One thing I don’t think owners realize is some of those are actually kind of sweet to the taste to dogs. It’s almost enticing to eat,” said Dr. Paige Andersen, vice president of the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors.
Despite all the winter-associated risks, however, limiting the pet’s movements to indoors is a no-no. There are several breeds of dogs and other pets which love the winter surroundings and enjoy going through their activities in pleasant temperatures. Experts suggest using dog sweaters and shoes before fun and healthy outdoor activities like walking and playing hide and seek with them.
