As you can probably tell, the snow is coming! Here are some things to watch for as the upcoming weather changes:
- If you have a dog, you may want to consider purchasing a coat to help keep the chill out of their bones. Many pet stores have started carrying winter clothing for pets including coats, booties, scarves, and more. This may help when the real cold weather sets in and you are trying to get your dog to go outside to do their business, especially in the case of smaller breeds with no natural undercoat. As well, it will help decrease the chance of frostbite.
- When taking your dog for a walk, you may want to avoid the riverbanks, or other areas associated with water, as they are getting slippery and dangerous. The water’s temperature has dropped low enough these days that if your dog were to jump or fall in, hypothermia could easily set in. After your walk, make sure to check the underside of your dogs’ paws for ice build up as it can cause irritation between the toes.
- If you have an outdoor dog, make sure there is enough bedding in the dog house for warmth and that the water in the dish is not frozen. If the temperatures drops really low, ensure you have the capabilities of keeping the dog somewhere indoors if needed.
Remember, never to leave your pet unattended for long periods of time in your vehicle during the winter months as hypothermia can still set in even though they are in an enclosed space. The signs of hypothermia include:
- shivering
- lethargy
- weakness
- difficulty breathing or slow respiratory rate (less than 10 breaths per minute while awake)
- dilated (enlarged) pupils
- coma
Frostbite usually affects the paws, ears and tail of pets. The signs of frostbite include:
- paler than normal skin (early stages)
- cold to the touch (early stages)
- swelling of the affected area (late stages)
- pain of the affected area (late stages)
- discoloration of the affected area (late stages)
If you are not sure if your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, make sure to contact your regular veterinarian to have your pet assessed and treated as necessary.
