Cold weather poses dangers to animals

There are several items to keep in mind to “winterize” pets as temperatures drop and snow accumulates. Also, the holidays pose special considerations to pet owners and those thinking of adding a new animal to the family.

Ramquist, along with information from the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, offers some suggestions to make the transition to winter more enjoyable and safe for pets and their owners.

Bringing pets outside in cold weather

Most urban pets spend the majority of their time indoors, and don’t have tolerance for extremely cold weather. Pets must build up a thicker coat and get their footpads toughened for snow and ice. Pets that get too chilled could develop hypothermia or even frostbite.

“It depends on the breed when it is too cold for them to be outside,” Ramquist said. For example, small dogs and those with very short coats have the least tolerance for cold. Puppies and elderly dogs are also more susceptible to the effects of the weather. Slipping on the ice is also a concern, especially with older animals, Ramquist noted, and recommended keeping these pets nearby when taking them for a walk.

If a pet spends a lot of time outdoors, let them get acclimated gradually to dropping temperatures. Once a pet is acclimated to either warm or cold, a long dose of the other extreme is hard to take. Outdoor pets need a sheltered place that is well bedded with dry straw, shavings, blanket strips or other insulating material that traps warm air. Also, remember that animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding areas from snow, rain and mud. Check it often and change it whenever it is wet, or your pets can’t keep themselves warm.

Ramquist recommends a shed, garage or other pet shelter to protect animals from the windchill. However, Ramquist did note that, especially in a garage, to make sure animals are not exposed to carbon monoxide.

“For outdoor animals, I cannot stress enough the importance of a shelter,” she said.

Paw care

Many dogs need boots in cold weather, regardless of coat length. If a dog frequently lifts its paws, whines or stops on walks, its feet are uncomfortably cold. Be sure to get the dog used to wearing boots before cold weather sets in.

Another frequent foot problem is the formation of ice balls between the pads and toes of the feet, especially in dogs with long fur. When dogs get these, they often whine, stop walking and start chewing at the bottoms of their feet to remove the painful ice balls. To help prevent ice balls, trim hair around the dog's feet. Apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or non-stick spray to the dog's feet before taking it for a walk. Make sure the oil can be eaten as most dogs lick at their paws.

If a pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets, be sure to wash its paws after a walk. Salt is very irritating to footpads. Gently rub the bottom of the feet to remove the salt as soon as the dog is off the road.

“When they come in, wipe their paws off,” Ramquist explained.

Food and water

“Now’s the time to fatten up the animals a little bit,” Ramquist said.

Outdoor dogs need more food during the cold weather. During the coldest months, pets may need to increase their calorie intake by 10 to 15 percent to help maintain normal body condition and compensate for the effects of cold weather, according to Ramquist. She recommended adding some fats to the pet’s diet in the winter in moderate amounts. Make sure your pet gets enough food to prevent it from losing weight.

Keeping fresh drinking water available for your outdoor pet is also very important. Water can freeze over quickly on cold days and will either need to be replaced frequently or heated. Snow and ice are not satisfactory substitutes for drinking water.

Cats and cars

Cats allowed outdoors face an additional danger from car engines since cats often climb into engines for warmth. If you own a cat that is permitted outside, be sure to thump on the car hood before you start your car during the cold weather. Many cats are fatally injured each year in this manner.

Open water

Ramquist reminds those living or recreating with their pets near open water to be watchful of their animals, as pets are often unsure about the stability of forming ice.

“It’s a watery grave when they fall through the ice,” she warns, as many pets who fall through the ice cannot easily get out of the freezing water.

Pet owners who attempt to rescue their pets after they have broken through the ice also face dangers.

Antifreeze alert

Every year thousands of pets die of antifreeze poisoning. Animals are attracted to its sweet taste and lap it up when it’s spilled on the ground or improperly stored.

To make sure dogs and cats do not consume antifreeze, containers should be closed and stored in a place not accessible to pets. Make certain that pets are not in the vicinity when antifreeze is being drained.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include weakness, confusion, vomiting, muscular incoordination, unsteadiness similar to that exhibited by a drunk person, coffee-colored urine, convulsions and coma. All cases of antifreeze poisoning require immediate treatment by a veterinarian if the pet is to have a chance to survive.

Lost dogs

More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season. Beware of the dangers involved in letting a dog romp off its leash on snow or ice. Dogs can lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become disoriented. They may also panic during a snow storm and run away.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a danger to animals. An animal’s ears and scrotum are most likely to be affected because these parts of the body aren’t protected by much hair and have a small blood supply. Mild frostbite will show itself as redness and subsequent skin irritation. Petroleum jelly applied to the affected area helps keep the area from drying out.

For cold animals, Ramquist recommends warming an animal slowly with a blanket or a tempered water bath (gradually add more warm water).

Severe frostbite is an emergency. The area will be white, very cold, and painful to the animal. Do not rub the area. The best thing you can do is keep the affected area wrapped so it won’t thaw quickly and call your veterinarian immediately.

Holidays and food

The holiday turkey with all the trimmings is a feast for the family but may be poison for its pets, warn Minnesota veterinarians. Each year during the holidays, veterinarians report an increase in animals with gastrointestinal distress. They are victims of the family feast — table scraps, stolen snacks or garbage can raids.

Turkey, particularly the bones, and highly seasoned foods like dressing, are dangerous for animals. These culprits can damage the intestinal walls. The bones can lodge in the colon and become an impacted mass that blocks the bowel.

Signs of trouble are vomiting and diarrhea. The animal is in extreme discomfort and danger. A veterinarian or animal emergency service should be called immediately. In most cases, prompt treatment will bring recovery in a few days.

Chocolate poisons

The traditional box of Christmas candy sweetens the holiday season, but they are poisonous for pets. The livers of dogs and cats cannot handle theobromine, an ingredient in all chocolate. Chocolate also contains caffeine and theophylline. Both can damage animals. Their livers lack the enzymes to break down these elements.

The best course is to keep chocolate away from pets. If an animal happens to eat chocolate, it may have such symptoms as vomiting and diarrhea and even seizures. These symptoms may develop slowly, over several hours, as the poisons are absorbed. A veterinarian or animal emergency service should be called immediately.

Pet as a present

Twenty million pets are destroyed or abandoned each year. Many are sacrificed needlessly because they are incompatible with an owner's lifestyle. The selection of a pet should be carried out thoughtfully like any long-term investment. Daily schedule, family size and living accommodations are factors that should be considered.

How busy are you? How large is your home and yard? A small dog, cat or rabbit would be more appropriate for apartment or condominium living. A busy work schedule calls for a less demanding pet. An aquarium with tropical fish might be a good choice. Birds, cats and dogs require more attention and more training.

Toy breeds of dogs would not be a wise choice for small children or long winter climates, for instance. A pet's personality is vital to a compatible relationship. Consult with your veterinarian concerning breed-related behavior traits that might affect your pet choice. An appropriate pet choice depends on careful introspection. Taking some time to choose will enhance a compatible, long-term relationship.

Many well-intentioned friends and family give pets as gifts each year, with no input from the new owners. An IOU for a trip to choose a pet or careful discussion with the new owner ahead of time would lead to fewer unwanted animals being returned or given to shelters after the holidays.

Ramquist added that the Borderland Humane Society can provide assistance in choosing the best pet that will fit well into a “forever home.” She also advocated doing research online or in pet books to learn about the types of animals being considered or even spending time with a pet before deciding on the type of animal to take home.