While Superiorland residents may finally be on the other side of the brutal cold stretch that saw wind chills dipping into the -40s earlier this week, with a week still to go in January, the frigid winter temps are far from gone.
Dangerous weather conditions are not only a problem for us, they can be deadly for your pets as well.
“If you are cold, it is likely your pet is cold too,” Delta Animal Shelter Operation Coordinator Vonnie Bruce told the Escanaba Daily Press.
Dr. Lisa Gartland at Bay Veterinary Clinic in Gladstone agreed with Bruce, saying if it’s too cold for a human, it’s likely too cold for a pet.
Gartland explained that a pet’s breed, specifically dogs, can have an impact on its tolerance to cold weather. Short-haired breeds and low-to-the-groudn breeds such as Dachshunds get colder faster. Arctic breeds, such as Huskies and Malamutes, have a higher tolerance for the cold.
“If they tell you they want to come in, let them in,” Bruce said.
Gartland also pointed out that older dogs also tend to get colder faster as they have less body fat and muscle.
Pet owners should be aware of potential illnesses, including respiratory diseases, frostbite, arthritis flare-ups and injuries to their paws from slipping on ice or irritation from salt.
“Wipe your dog’s feet after being outside so they do not have leftover salt on paws, utilize pet-safe salt, and keep your dog away from antifreeze,” Bruce said.
Anti-freeze is more commonly used in the winter, and animals like the taste of the liquid. It is essential to be aware of where your pet is going, as chemicals like antifreeze are highly toxic to animals.
Gartland and Bruce recommend utilizing booties and jackets as much as possible if your pet will tolerate them. “Most pets need to be trained to wear booties, as they often dislike them initially,” Gartland explained.
While out on walks, be sure to monitor the terrain and try to avoid slippery ice. Certain surfaces, such as outside steps or a deck, should be cleared of snow or winter debris as often as possible so pets don’t slip. If pets spend time outside, check to ensure their outdoor drinking water isn’t frozen.
When heading out in the morning, Gartland recommends inspecting your vehicle as animals seek warmth near the engine at night and in the early morning hours.
Like in the summer, pets should not be left in a turned-off vehicle.
With February and March (hopefully not April) frigid temperatures still in front of us, paying attention to these tips can be the difference between a fun, safe winter for your pets and tragedy.
