Every summer we talk about the affects of heat on your furry friend and why they should not be left in your parked car. But we don’t often talk about the cold weather and how it affects your furry friends. Especially those pets who’ve been deemed “outside” dogs.
Since we’ve already had some dangerously cold weather this winter with more likely to come, we felt it was time to talk about your pets and cold weather.
Lots of folks believe that dogs and cats are better protected from the cold because of their fur. But is this really true? Our pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as we are. Our furry friends need to be kept safe indoors just the same as we keep ourselves safe by snuggling up indoors.
But how do you know when it’s time to bring your pet indoors? And, when you must take them out for potty breaks or exercise what’s the best way to protect them?
The answer to how cold is too cold depends on several factors such as breed, size, coat thickness, and the current health and condition of your pet. But, even with these factors it’s important to pay attention to the clues your pet gives you.
Most dogs can tolerate temperatures above 45 degrees fairly well. When temperatures fall below 45 degrees some dogs that are especially prone to the cold will begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures drop below freezing you should monitor your pet carefully if it’s a small breed with a thin coat, is sick, or very young or old. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees ALL dogs are prone to developing hypothermia and frostbite.
Although longer haired and thick coated dog breeds can better tolerate colder temperatures you should NEVER leave any pet outside for long periods of time when it’s below freezing. There are several factors that can affect how your dog responds to colder weather. This includes the dog’s physical condition such as coat type, coat color, size and weight, health condition, and activity level. Environmental conditions that can affect how your dog responds includes windchill, rain and snow, and cloudy versus sunny. These conditions affect your pet the same way they affect you.
Your pet will also give you visual and verbal clues to let you know it’s time to bring them in to snuggle up. Those cues include shivering, action anxious, slowing down, and holding up one or more of their paws. Your pet is telling you it’s time to bring me in!
Protection your pet from the cold weather while outside may include the use of pet boots and pet jackets. And, just as you don’t leave your pet in a hot car, that same applies to a cold car. A cold car an act like a refrigerator and cause animals to freeze to death. Think about how you’re affected when your car is stuck, your out of gas, and you can no longer use the heater. It gets cold fast!
If you must leave your pet outdoors, which we DO NOT recommend, you will need to take extra precautions to protect your pet from potentially freezing to death. Provide your pet a dry, draft free shelter that is large enough for them to move freely and small enough to hold in their body heat. The floor of the shelter should be raised about 3 inches from and ground and the area covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Make sure there is plenty of deep bedding in their shelter. Cedar chips are ideal for bedding instead of straw and blankets. Outdoor pets require an increase in their caloric intake, more food, and fresh, unfrozen water. For your pet’s safety it’s best to use plastic food and water bowls instead of metal.
Watch closely for signs of hypothermia. Those signs include lethargy, weakness, shivering,
muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing, and fixed and dilated pupils. See a vet right away if your furry friend is experiencing any of these symptoms. Failure to monitor symptoms or provide proper shelter may result in the death of your loved pet.
Ultimately, the best option for your pet during cold weather with temperatures below freezing is to bring them inside and snuggle up with them. The next best option would be a temperature controlled (heated/cooled) shelter.
It it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Risking the life of your furry family member is not worth it when it can all be prevented by bringing them indoors.
Stay warm and keep your loved pets safe and warm. I know you’ll enjoy the snuggles and kisses.
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