GREENSBORO, N.C.
— As we prepare for more cold weather heading our way, veterinarians and animal advocates want people to remember their furry friends when the weather gets cold.
Dr.
Kimberly Sheets of Sheets Pet Clinic in Greensboro says one big thing is to make sure your animals aren’t wet in the cold.
They should be warm and dry when going outside.
Sheets wants pet owners to be prepared for the cold weather, and she shares some tips.
“Dogs that are used to being inside really shouldn't be outside for any extended amount of time if it's below 45 degrees.
Animals that are acclimated to living outside can do better in the colder weather.
But some of those animals are more designed for cold weather,” she said.
She says the best shelters for animals are the ones with straw, because it insulates better than hay or blankets.
“Mylar blankets are good.
They actually are the ones with a silver lining and they actually reflect heat back to the animal.
You can use that in the dog houses and the cat houses,” Sheets said.
When we get cold rain, the wetness can affect animals' ability to maintain good body temperature.
“When you're looking at the feet, if you see that that's cold, if you pick up their feet and it's cold and it's cold to the touch, their ears ... are cold to the touch, then they're too cold and you need to get them warmed up,” she said.
“There's things that you can do to protect their feet, and you can put a little coat on them,” Sheets said.
She says we don’t usually get cold enough weather here in North Carolina for animals to experience frostbite, or hypothermia.
“Once you get below 20, you really start getting into some dangerous numbers there, below the 20s.
And if the animal is wet, that doesn't even take 20 degrees,” Sheets said.
If you have animals outside, make sure they have ample food and water.
Sheets says if the weather does get cold enough to cause frostbite, certain animals are more susceptible, such as the young, those with diseases and those that are little bit compromised in function.