As temperatures start to plunge, always be aware of your pet when outdoors. Winter weather can change quickly and create life-threatening circumstances for your pets. Each pet is different, but smaller pets and those with little or no hair need special attention as they are most vulnerable. PREVENTION IS KEY Keep Pets Inside and Limit Time Outdoors Dogs and cats are vulnerable to hypothermia (low body temperature) and frostbite (frozen body parts) when exposed to cold temperatures for too long. If you notice your pet is shivering, that is a clear sign that he is cold. Pet coats and sweaters are more than fashionable – they also keep your pet warm in cold temperatures. Dog booties can also help protect paws and keep them warm. If you have an outdoor cat, bring him inside! Never Leave Pets Alone in a Car Once a car’s ignition has been turned off, cold temperatures can quickly infiltrate the vehicle, creating a freezer-like environment. During the winter, limit travel with your pet to only that which is necessary. To avoid frostbite or hypothermia, bring pets along when you leave the vehicle – even for quick stops. WHAT TO WATCH FOR HYPOTHERMIA Signs of Hypothermia in Pets: •Violent shivering, followed by listlessness •Problems breathing •Weak pulse •Lethargy •Muscle stiffness •Lack of appetite What to do if You Suspect Hypothermia: •Triage your pet by: •Wrapping him in a warm blanket or coat. (Fabrics can be warmed in the dryer for a few minutes.) •Bring him into a warm room. •Placing warm, towel-wrapped water bottles against your pet’s abdomen or at her armpits and chest, then wrap her in a blanket. •Do not use hair dryers, heating pads, or electric blankets to warm up a hypothermic pet as this may result in burns or compromised circulation to vital organs. •Call your veterinarian immediately! FROSTBITE Signs of Frostbite in Pets •Tips of ears and tail have red- or gray-tinged skin •Skin often appears pale, gray, or blue at first and red/puffy later •Pain in ears, tail, or paws when touched •Skin that stays cold •Shriveled skin •For cats: paws, tail, and ears are most vulnerable •For dogs: tail, ears, foot pads, and scrotum are most vulnerable What to do if You Suspect Frostbite •Never rub or massage affected areas as this will worsen the damage •Triage your pet by: •Gently warming the afflicted areas by immersing them in warm (not hot) water or gently covering them with warm, moist towels for at least 20 minutes •Handle affected areas gently •Do not use hair dryers, heating pads, or electric blankets to warm up a hypothermic pet as this may result in burns •Call your veterinarian immediately! Learn more about how to protect your pets in cold and freezing weather!
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 02:37:58 +0000