Cold weather safety for your pets

Cold winter weather presents particular challenges in caring for our pets.  Help you pet remain safe and healthy during colder months by following these simple tips.

  • Don't leave dogs or cats outdoors alone when the temperature drops. Stay outside with them when they must go out for exercise or to elliminate.  When you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. No matter what the temperature in the winter, wind-chill can threaten a pet's life.  If your pet must spend time outdoors, a dry draft-free shelter must be provided that is raised off the ground, and plenty of non-frozen water.  The shelter should be faced away from the prevailing wind.  Try leaving out a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel so it won't burn your pet's skin.  Pets needed to be acclimated to colder temperatures starting in the fall so that they will develop a proper protective winter coat.
 
  • Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood.   Looking under and banging on the hood or honking the horn of your car before starting the engine will potentially scare them out.
 
  • Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow can irritate your pet's feet. When your pets come inside, wipe their feet with a damp towel.
 
  • If you live near a pond, lake or river, be cautious of letting your dog off leash.  Animals can quickly fall through the ice making it difficult for them to escape or for you to rescue them.
 
  • Antifreeze is a deadly chemical that has a sweet taste and can attract animals.  Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.  There are also pet safe antifreeze-coolants that can be purchased.  In the event that you suspect your pet may have ingested some antifreeze, call the Animal Hospital of McHenry immediately!  Prompt medical attention can be life saving.
 
  • Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors will need more food in the winter because keeping warm burns extra calories.  Thin animals or those fed poor quality food are most susceptible to the cold.  Shivering is one sign that your pet is having to work to keep its body temperature up.  This sign can be easily missed because as the body temperature continues to drop the shivering ceases.  Average normal body temperature in dogs and cats is 100.0-102.5.  When hypothermic, your pet may act stiff and slow to respond to you.  Shallow and infrequent respirations are common.  Your pet may also have a slow or undetectable heart beat and a weak pulse.
 
  • Frostbite is not common in healthy, well-nourished pets if they are acclimatized, long haired, and have shelter to get out of drafts and inclement weather.  When seen, it most frequently occurs at the tips of the ears and tail especially in cats.  The scrotum of male dogs is also prone to frostbite.  Initially frostbitten skin appears cool and pale and is not sensitive to pain.  As it thaws it becomes reddened and painful.  Skin that has been frostbitten in the past is more susceptible to being frostbitten again.  Previously frostbitten skin is usually hairless and scarred and may even die and slough off.  If you suspect frostbite in your pet, it is best to avoid any home treatment and instead call the Animal Hospital of McHenry.  If it is impossible to get your pet to us, the area can slowly be thawed out in warm water.  This should only be done if you are certain you can protect the area from refreezing.  The greatest tissue damage occurs if the frostbitten area thaws and then refreezes again.  Frostbitten areas should never be rubbed or massaged as this greatly increases the damage to the tissues. Damage from frostbite is not immediately obvious. The tissue doesn’t show signs of damage for several days.