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 Cold
Winter Temperatures
Just like humans, our pets can develop hypothermia, or a drop in
their body temperature, after being outside in cold temperatures for
too long. Hypothermia becomes even more likely for dogs that are
housed outdoors.
“There is no straightforward answer to how cold is too cold and how
long is too long to remain outside, because there are so many
variables,” Dr. Pavlovsky says. “For most dogs, it is probably safe
to be outside for a very short period—just enough time to
eliminate—even in extreme cold. However, to be safe, it’s probably
best to discuss this with your veterinarian, because there may be
individual recommendations fitting one pet but not another.”
Likewise, how long dogs can be outside in relatively
cold temperatures depends on the individual pet. However, Dr.
Pavlovsky points out, “It is reasonable to assume that prolonged
direct contact with snow and ice is more likely to result in
frostbite.”
Owners should consider the size and length of their pet’s fur coat
when gauging how long an animal can remain outside. Shorter fur
offers less protection against chilly temperatures, so those pets
may benefit from some extra help.
“If your dog tolerates clothing and footwear, it’s probably best to
put those on,” says Dr. Pavlovsky, “especially for short-haired and
small breeds. These protections can help minimize heat loss and
exposure. For example, good-quality footwear that does not cause
discomfort can allow a dog to spend more time outdoors without
getting frostbite on the feet.”
In addition to keeping low temperatures and length of cold exposure
in mind, be sure to supervise your dogs when snow and ice are
present. Dr. Pavlovsky says, just like for humans, “Walking on hard
snow and ice may result in slips, falls, and lacerations for your
pets.”
Signs of Cold Exposure
If pets are accidentally left in the cold for too long and do
develop hypothermia, owners should look for signs and symptoms to
know when a veterinarian is needed.
“Signs of hypothermia may include tiredness, shivering, pale skin,
shallow breathing, and muscle stiffness,” Dr. Pavlovsky states.
“Frostbite—usually on the feet—can result in lameness of various
degrees and pale, firm and cool skin, although extent of injury
depends on the amount of time that has passed since exposure and on
the degree of frostbite.” If these signs are
present, it is best to contact a veterinarian right away. While
waiting to see the veterinarian, you can warm your pet at home by
ensuring they are dry and free of snow and ice and by wrapping them
in blankets or thick towels warmed in the dryer. [to top of second
column] |
Ice Melt
Pet owners also need to look out for exposure to ice-melting
products. Pets may accidentally consume these products by eating
treated snow or licking the products off the pads of their feet.
“Ice-melting products are usually made up of different kinds of
salts, containing magnesium, potassium, calcium or sodium,” says
Dr. Pavlovsky. “Ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea,
sometimes severe enough to cause dehydration or even tremors and
seizures, depending on amount ingested and size of the pet.”
While there are pet-friendly ice melting products available that
do not contain these salts, there are also other ways to prevent
contact with these harmful products. “Wearing shoes, wiping the
feet with a wet cloth or baby wipes, supervising to avoid snow
ingestion—especially when treated—and keeping ice-melt products
out of pets’ reach can all reduce chances of injury,” says Dr.
Pavlovsky.
Gatherings
Amid the recent canine respiratory illness outbreak, it is also
important to consider protection for pets when traveling during the
winter holidays.
“The recommendations for pets are similar to those made for people
during periods of respiratory disease outbreaks. Keep dogs up to
date on vaccines for known respiratory pathogens and avoid
congregating dogs in large groups indoors, if possible,” Dr.
Pavlovsky advises.
Remember that newly vaccinated dogs should avoid contact with other
dogs for two weeks while the vaccinations do their job of boosting
the pet’s immune system. For this reason, make sure pets receive
their vaccines at least two weeks before they travel for the
holidays.
If you have any questions about winter safety for your pets, please
contact your local veterinarian.
[Lauren Bryan, University of Illinois
Extension]
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