Do you have enough of the following items to last a few days, should the roads become unsafe for travel or the veterinary office is closed?

• pet food

• litter

• fresh water supply

• soft, warm bedding

• any medications your pet takes on a regular basis

Outdoor pets

• Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be "fine" if left outside. This is simply not true!  In fact, all pets - both dogs and cats - need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather.

• Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather - as with humans, dogs and cats can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

• If your pet has never been in colder temperatures they will need a slow transition of several weeks to acclimate to a new climate.

• Young, as well as senior pets, are especially at risk in colder temperatures. Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. Short-haired and elderly dogs can benefit from wearing a coat or sweater.

• Our recommendation is that all cats should be kept indoors, safe from hazards.  However, if you must let your cat outside, you must be a responsible pet owner as well.  If you are not going to be home to let your cat back into the house don’t let him out.

• Certain breeds, like Huskies and Samoyeds may be better suited for the cold weather, but they still need shelter from the cold and elements. Indoor accommodations are best during extreme temperature drops, but if that is not possible, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as pine shavings, straw, or blankets will help maintain body heat.

• If your pet is prone to chewing, do not use blankets or material that can be ingested. Cedar shavings can be irritating to the skin and straw can hold moisture, so use these materials with caution depending on your pet's hair coat.

• Caution - do not use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a burn hazard for your pet as well as a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated pads for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house, but read and follow directions carefully before use.

• Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. The water should be changed at least daily and more frequently if the water is freezing. A heated dish is a wonderful tool for cold climates. The water stays cold, but does not freeze.

• Caution is needed for animals that may chew. Outdoor pets require additional food for energy and maintaining body heat in harsh climates.  Make sure that your pet has access to it's regular diet so that it is not foraging for an outdoor food source that may be harmful or toxic to your pet. 

Foot care

• Dogs walking in snowy areas may get large ice balls between their pads, causing the dog to limp. Be sure to keep ice clear from this area. For dogs that have a lot of hair between the pads, keeping it clipped shorter will help decrease ice ball formation.

• Dog boots offer protection to those dogs that will tolerate wearing them.

• Cats should not be left out in the cold for extended periods of time.  Staying indoors is always best for cats.

Salt and chemical de-icers

• Pets who walk on sidewalks that have been "de-iced" are prone to dry, chapped, and potentially painful paws. This will encourage the pet to lick their paws and the ingestion of the de-icer may cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset.

• Wash off your pet's feet after an outing with a warm wet cloth or footbath. Applying some bag balm or Vaseline to the paw pads at night will help with chaffing and dryness.

Frozen lakes and ponds

• Animals don't realize what "thin ice" is. Once they fall in, it is very difficult for them to climb out and hypothermia is a very real and life-threatening danger.  It is best to keep your pet away from frozen lakes and waterways.

• When allowed to "skate" with their human companions, "ice skating" dogs are prone to injuries such as cruciate tears which weaken the knee and cause lameness.  This is also true of icy walks.   Do not allow your dog to run on slippery surfaces.

Antifreeze Dangers

• Thirsty and curious pets will lap up antifreeze. Antifreeze has a sweet taste, which causes pets to want to drink larger amounts. 

• Unfortunately, just a few licks of antifreeze can be fatal.

• Lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately.

• If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze you must contact your veterinarian immediately since treatment needs to be started as soon as possible after exposure.

Heat-seekers beware!

• Cats will seek warmth wherever they can get it, and that may be the warm engine of a car that has just been turned off.  Or, it may mean getting too close to space heaters.

• Before starting your car, prevent tragedy by knocking on the hood or honking the horn to scare off any cats that may have crawled up on the engine block for warmth and protection from the cold weather. 

• Be aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning if you leave your car with the engine running in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer.

Arthritic animals

• Arthritis is worse during cold and damp weather.

• Take special care to handle your pet gently, watch out for icy walks, provide soft (and possibly heated) bedding, and use arthritis medications and joint supplements to ease your pets discomfort.

• Never medicate your pet with human prescription or over-the-counter arthritis medications without consulting with your veterinarian first!

• One Tylenol™ tablet can be fatal to a cat and ibuprofen can cause significant gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers in dogs.