Cold-weather care for pets

Old Man Winter decided to make an early appearance in Sisters, with an arctic blast dropping temperatures below zero. The first snow blanketed Sisters Country, covering the last of the autumn leaves.

Sisters School District closed, and a few delighted kids had a romping good time outside in the snow playing with their dogs.

Cold weather can be hard on pets, just like people. Some pets can remain outside longer in the winter than others. In some cases it's just common sense: long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like Beagles. Cats and smaller dogs that wade shoulder deep in snow will feel the cold sooner than larger breeds, and very young and elderly pets are more vulnerable to the cold.

It is important to prepare your furry friends for the cold winter months ahead. It is a fallacy to believe that cats and dogs can withstand cold temperatures just because they have fur. Some smaller breed dogs like Pomeranians may have a thick coat of fur, but may have no tolerance for the cold. Whatever type of pet you have, check with your veterinarian to see if he needs warm winter-wear, such as a sweater, or yes, even booties.

Remember to take precautions if your pet spends time outside. When coming in from a winter walk or play session, dry Fido off thoroughly and take extra care to wipe his legs, paws, and stomach. Remember when outdoors in the snow, your pet can pick up salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals on their pads, and lick them off.

Don't let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can easily become lost. Snow and rain can wipe away familiar scents, causing your dog to become disoriented.

Never leave your furry friend in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold which can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and death.

Frostbite happens when an animal's body gets cold and pulls all the blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. Your furry friend's ears, paws or tail can get cold enough that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. If you suspect that your pet might have frostbite, bring him into a warm environment right away.

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when an animal is not able to keep his body temperature from falling below normal. It can happen when your pet spends too much time in cold temperatures. In mild cases, an animal will shiver and show signs of lethargy and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to get your pet warm, wrapping him in a blanket, and bring him to your veterinarian.

The best strategy during very cold weather is to keep your dog or cat indoors. Outdoor cats are especially susceptible to hazards like frostbite and getting lost.

Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm, including car engines. So before you turn on your engine rap hard on the hood or honk your horn to scare any cat out of the engine area. Moving engine parts can be a serious hazard to a cat.

Remember to be particularly gentle with elderly and arthritic pets during the winter. The cold can leave their joints extremely stiff and tender and they may become more awkward than usual.

Pets should not be kept outside during the cold months. However, if you absolutely must leave them outdoors for a limited amount of time, make sure they have a shelter. It should be dry, clean and well-insulated, and will protect him from the elements. And make sure your furry friend has plenty of (non-frozen) water.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be dangerous as well, but doesn't have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your furry friend can have a fabulous time dashing through the snow together.