Cold-weather pet safety

The temperatures have been steadily dropping in Sisters Country after a long, warm summer. Winter is quickly approaching, along with freezing temperatures and chilling dampness. Now is the time to protect your four-legged family member from the elements.

Cold weather can be hard on pets, just as it is for people. It is important to prepare your furry friend for the cold winter months ahead. It's a misconception that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur. Cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so the best strategy during very cold winter weather is to keep them indoors.

But if you are unable to keep your pet inside during cold weather, provide him with a warm, dry, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that your furry friend has unlimited access to fresh, unfrozen water (use a pet-safe, heated water bowl).

Cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body-fat stores, activity level and health. Be aware of your furry friend's tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly. For example: a long-haired or thick-coated dog will tend to be more cold-tolerant than a short-haired small dog like a Chihuahua - but is still at risk in cold weather.

Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more vulnerable to slipping and falling.

When Rover is outdoors in the ice and snow he can pick up salt, antifreeze, or other dangerous chemicals on his pads. Take extra precautions if your pet spends time outside. When coming in from a winter walk or play session, wipe Rover off thoroughly and take care to wipe his legs, paws, and stomach.

Hot cars are a threat to your pet during the warm months, and cold cars pose just as much of a risk to your furry friend's health during the cold months. A car can act as a refrigerator in winter, holding in the cold which can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and death.

Cars are particularly attractive to felines in the wintertime; especially frigid cats that love to climb up under the hood and curl up on the warm motor. This, as you can imagine, has led to many unfortunate accidents. 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.

More dogs are lost in the winter than any other season. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. What happens is dogs lose their scent in the snow and can easily become lost. Make sure Rover always wears his I.D. tags.

Another important thing to remember is if you have a short-haired breed, consider getting your furry friend a warm coat or sweater with a high collar. Look for one that covers your dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. It is not a luxury, but a necessity for many dogs.

And if your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities in the winter, such as Huskies who pull sleds for sport, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep fur thick and healthy.

Dogs, like people, need to come inside more quickly after walking or playing during frigid weather. So if your pooch is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, get him back inside quickly because he is showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, but it 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. So your dog's ears, paws, or tail can get cold enough that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it.

If you suspect your furry friend has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Wintering with your pet is mostly common sense. If you're cold, your furry friend may be cold, too. Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can also be dangerous, 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.