Cold Weather Care of Pets

Although we all hope winter is almost over and spring is just around the corner, in Northern Wyoming cold weather can continue through April.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to cold weather in many ways. Paws and ears can get frost bite in extreme cold or even in cold wind chills.

One thing to remember, is that if it is too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet to be outside for very long. Some dogs are outside dogs, and prefer to be outside, but make sure even they have a warm, dry shelter to crawl into if the weather is bitter cold.

DOGS:

Rachel McGee, co-director of the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, had some tips to keep you furry friend warm, dry and safe during the cold weather.

McGee said that after you walk your dog, make sure to wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach. This will wash off salt, any chemicals they might step in, such as non-pet safe ice melt, or even antifreeze which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Check for redness and irritation on the paw pads

“One thing, speaking of salts, consider using a product that contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol-based. Propylene glycol is pet safe, we use that here. Ethylene can be toxic and some dogs will put anything in their mouths or when they are sniffing and licking they might pick up some of that.”

“Another good fun tip, you can massage petroleum jelly into their paws to help protect their feet,” Rachel said.

There is also a product called, ‘mushers wax’ to keep snow from sticking to the dogs paws and forming ice clumps between the toes. These paw waxes are also formulated to be nontoxic should a dog lick.

Never shave your dog down to their skin during winter. “If you have a long haired dog, just trim them,” McGee said. Longer coats provide more warmth, like wearing a winter coat. Trimming the coat will help to minimize ice balls, and harmful chemicals that might cling to the hair. Short-haired dogs can benefit from a dog coat or sweater to help keep them warm. “We do that with some shelter pets.” McGee added.

Excessive bathing during the winter is not a good idea. Shampoos can remove essential oils and increase the chances of dry, flaky skin. “Maybe just use a towel or wash them with only water,” she said.

Another safety measure is to make sure you pet has a ID tag, especially on winter walks,

“Most people have their dogs inside, which is a good thing,” McGee said. “But what to do if you see a pet outside and you’re concerned? Made sure the pet looks like it’s in distress and it’s really, really cold out. Some dogs do like to be outside, but it can be a crime to leave them outside. Be sure to contact your neighbor directly, if you are uncomfortable with that you can contact local law enforcement. We do want to make sure that pets are safe., maybe the owner didn’t realize how cold it was outside.”

Pets, especially outdoor pets, work a little harder to stay warm in the winter. Feeding them a bit extra can provide much-needed calories to help them maintain body heat. Lots of fresh, open water drinking will help keep them, and their skin, hydrated.

Even a house dog should have a warm place to sleep that is free of drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Another tip is don’t leave your pet in a car for any length of time. Just like leaving a pet in a car during the summer can lead to heat stroke and possibly death, in the winter a car can act like a refrigerator and hold in the cold air, which can result in your pet freezing.

CATS:

If there is a population of feral cats in the community, or it one has barn cats for rodent control make sure they have access to warmth. Maybe a heated shed, or a small shelter they can keep warm with their body heat. You can make little shelters, use a storage bin, or dog houses. For bedding to keep them warm add straw, or pillow cases stuffed loosely with packing peanuts or shredded newspapers. Check periodically and replace the bedding if it gets wet or dirty, as it won’t keep the cats as warm. “Towels and blankets are not recommended, as they can absorb body heat and can chill cats,” McGee said. Make sure they have food and water. A thick plastic water bowl that is deep and wide works better than a thin-walled bowl to keep water from freezing, or you can use a heated water bowl, either electric or solar powered. Hunting is a little harder in the winter, and they may need extra food.

McGee said that if the community does a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program for feral cats, it is best not to neuter or spay in the winter unless they have a safe warm place in which to recover. TNR in the winter does however have some benefits, as kitten season is in the spring and summer, one will be spaying the cats before they have a chance to have a litter. She referred readers to a website neighborhoodcats.org. Which gives many of tips to help the feral cats during the cold winter months, including various types of shelters.

Although winter is drawing to a close, if the cold weather returns for a time, these tips will help keep our companion animals safe, warm and dry.