Cold Weather Pet Safety

Jamie Roth, RN, PHN

FOR ANTIGO TIMES

While Punxsutawney Phil & Groundhog Day may have predicted an early spring, we are still dealing with the cold weather and snow. Not only do we have to keep ourselves safe by layering and limiting our time outdoors, we also need to make sure we are keeping our pets safe.

For pets that do not live outside, here are some tips to keep them safe:

• Know your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust walks and play time accordingly
• Use coats and booties to help protect your pet from the cold weather (especially if they seem more susceptible to the cold)
• Petroleum jelly can also be used as a paw protectant
• Long haired dogs are generally more tolerant of the cold, but still need to be monitored for exposure
• Wipe paws and bellies after walks and play, as salt can be toxic to pets if ingested (check also to make sure no salt has become caught between the paw pads)
• Use pet friendly salt on your property to protect your pet
• Just like hot cars, cold cars are also a threat to your pet – NEVER leave them alone in extreme weather in a car
• Make sure they have a place to sleep up off the floor, such as a bed, and that it is away from drafts

For pets that live outside, here are some tips to keep them safe:

• Make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind
• Unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water
• The floor of the shelter should be off the ground and bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment
• The shelter door should be positioned away from prevailing winds
• Use heated mats with caution, as they are capable of causing burns
• AVOID space heaters and heat lamps because of the risk of burns and fire

If you notice that while outside your pet seems to be acting strangely, it is best if you bring them inside immediately as they are probably becoming hypothermic.

Some signs of hypothermia in pets:

• Whining
• Shivering
• Seems anxious
• Slows down/stops moving
• Seems weak
• Looks for a warm place to burrow

When in doubt, stay indoors and only go outside for very short periods for potty breaks. For any additional tips, please contact the Langlade County Health Department at 715-627-6250.