In most places, 2011/2012 has been pretty mild as winters go, still there’s lots of cold and snow likely to come.
If it’s cold enough outside, dogs and cats can get frostbitten. Most susceptible are the tips their tails and ears. Dogs with long ears, like Basset Hounds and Weimaraners, are especially at risk.
While most dogs wear their own winter coats, when temperatures dip below around freezing, small dogs need a little help to keep warm. The smaller the dog, the more difficulty maintaining body temperature, which is why a coat or sweater is a good idea.
Sight hounds have a problem which many people may resent – they have too little body fat. With so little body fat, it’s a challenge to keep warm. So, breeds like Greyhounds, Salukis and Whippets also need winter-wear to keep comfortable. Italian Greyhounds may even get cold if it's below 40 degrees.
And when it comes to high style there are many couture choices for canines, from “hoodies” with football team logos to faux fur designer coats. Although there is something odd about a dog looking like she’s wearing a leopard coat.
Of course, some dogs relish the cold. After all, breeds such as Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds sometimes prefer 20 degrees to being indoors. Still, if even an Arctic dog is going to be kept outdoors for any period of time – theses cold-weather canines require unfrozen drinking water (you can buy water bowls with heaters to prevent freezing) and shelter from wind and snow.
Little booties may not appear macho – but sled dogs even wear them. Because dogs perspire some from their paws, little ice balls can form between the paw pads, which can be very uncomfortable. Also with paws unprotected, it may sting to walk on ordinary street salt. Consider alternative “pet friendly” salt (such as Morton Safe-T-Pet Ice Melt). Not only is it far gentler to canine paws, but also less damaging to concrete.
Other options to prevent the ice balls and deter street salt from sticking to the pads are to spray an unflavored no-stick cooking spray (such as Pam) on your dog’s paws or use a product called Musher’s Secret (available online and at many pet stores).
As for cats, there are always dangers to being outdoors, but that’s particularly true when temperatures fall. The good news is that cats are pretty resourceful at finding warmth. But that’s also the bad news. To a cat seeking heat, a warm car hood is easy to find, and like a cozy electric blanket to slink into. As a result, veterinarians in cold weather climates too often treat cats seriously mangled (some don’t survive) when people innocently start their engines. It’s a good idea to follow Tony Orlando’s advice; knock three times on the car hood in the morning before turning on the ignition.
Desperate for water which isn’t frozen, antifreeze is tempting for cats or dogs. Less than a quarter a cup of antifreeze can kill a Great Dane, and a teaspoon’s worth can end the life of a small dog or a cat. Seek out antifreeze brands which contain bittering agents which makes it taste awful so pets aren’t tempted to sample.
Some family cats or dogs live in garages (never a good idea), or pets can accidently find their way inside a closed garage when a car is being warmed up. As a result pets can suffer carbon monoxide poisoning. It only takes is around 10 to 15 minutes for a 10 lb. pet to die in sealed off garage with a car running and no way out.
A common concern, particularly as the weather wavers from just below freezing up to the 30’s, are ponds, rivers and lakes, and particularly retention ponds in condominium complexes. The ice may not be as solid as you think. Dogs are as susceptible to hypothermia as people. Dogs who fall into freezing water may die. Unfortunately, people attempting to rescue their best friends can endanger themselves. On larger bodies of water, another concern is a confused dog taking off in the wrong direction, away from the shore. While the water may be frozen at the shoreline, it may not be further out.
Be safe, and winter can be a wonderland for pets and no dangerous.
The first time I ever gave Blizzard (an American Eskimo dog) a bath he rushed to the door as soon as we were done wanting out. Since I hadn't had him that long I assumed he had to "do his thing" so I let him out even though it was cold and the ground was covered with fresh, deep snow. Well, he loved it! He rolled and scooted and rolled some more in the snow a huge smile on his face. When he came back in he was pretty darn proud of himself.
Don't worry though, he's an indoor dog but he just loves cold, snowy winters.
nice comment - thank you for that....!!! And thanks for all you do for pets Andrea (she's a famous pet writer)