Protect Pets From the Big Chill
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
DENVER, Nov. 15 PRNewswire-
As we enter the bitter days of winter, pet owners should
remember that cold weather can be as hard on animals as on
people. The American Animal Hospital Association offers the
following tips for keeping your pets warm and safe this winter.
* Take your animals for a check-up before winter kicks in.
Your veterinarian can check for any medical problems that might
make them more vulnerable to the cold.
* Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury
drops. If you must leave your pet outside, be sure to provide
appropriate shelter against the wind, thick bedding and
non-frozen water.
* Some animals are more vulnerable to cold than others,
depending on their size, age and health and the thickness of
their fur. Regardless of their condition, no pets should stay
outside for unlimited amounts of time in extremely cold weather.
* Pets that go outside can accumulate rock salt, ice and
chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep pets' pads from
getting chapped and raw, wipe their feet with a washcloth when
they come inside.
* Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm --
including car engines. Before you start your engine, check
beneath the hood or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or
rapping on the hood.
* If you light a fire or plug in a space heater, remember to
keep it safely out of range of tails and paws. Pets can either
burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire
household in danger.
Frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous possibilities in the
winter. Frostbite happens when the ears, paws or tail get cold
enough that ice crystals form in the tissue and cause damage. If
you suspect frostbite, bring your pet into a warm environment
immediately, soak the extremities in warm water for about 20
minutes, and visit the veterinarian.
Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal,
occurs when animals are overexposed to cold temperatures.
Symptoms can range from shivering and lethargy in mild cases to
stiff muscles, low heart and breathing rates and
unresponsiveness. If you notice these symptoms, you need to warm
your pet and seek immediate veterinary care.
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