Keeping pet safe in extreme weather
No matter where you live in the country, you’ve most likely experienced one kind of extreme weather or another. The southwest frequently suffers under an onslaught of heat, the northeast battles cold snaps that stop people in their tracks, and thunderstorms are a common occurrence from coast to coast. We may think we know how to handle these situations—drink lots of water, limit your exposure outside, avoid standing in open fields—and perhaps we do. For humans. But what about our pets? Although some of the same rules apply, there are also special considerations that should be made for the four-legged members of our families.
Braving the cold
Unlike during the hot months, in cold weather you’ll want to schedule your dog’s walks for the daylight hours more often than not, when temperatures are elevated. It’s important to keep their paws off the snow and ice as much as possible—if your dog will wear booties, they can be quite helpful—and remember to wash them thoroughly after they’ve been outside. Ice melt may not be pet-friendly and could end up burning their sensitive paws. If there’s snow on the ground, shovel paths to help them find a place to go to the bathroom, so they don’t have to wade through the snow and spend more time in the cold than necessary. Jackets can be helpful, but only you know if your sweet fur baby will hold still long enough for you to attempt to put them in one. Overall, your best bet is to limit time spent outside.
Hydration is just as important in the cooler months as it is in the warmer ones. Cold, dry weather can easily dehydrate animals (of the two-legged variety, too, so don’t forget yourself!), so carry water on your walks in the winter as well, and make sure their water bowls are full at home. Although you may be inclined to feed them more than normal, thinking an extra layer of fat would do well to keep them warmer, overweight animals can be more susceptible to a whole host of health issues, so resist the temptation.
Again, you’ll want to keep them inside as much as possible, where it’s plenty warm. Fleece blankets strategically placed in their favorite snuggle spots will go a long way to helping them stay warm. Shorthaired pets are more susceptible to cold temperatures, as are elderly animals and those with diabetes, heart or kidney diseases, and hormonal imbalances. Ask your veterinarian for specific suggestions if your pet suffers from any of these conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include noticeable anxiety, weakness, and shivering. If your dog starts to slow down or stop while on a walk or seems to be looking for a place to burrow in, return home as quickly as possible. Frostbite is harder to recognize, as it may take a few days for the damage to be seen, so follow the suggestions above to protect them from the cold when they must go outside. If you’re at all concerned about hypothermia or frostbite, call your veterinarian.
Stormy weather
Thunderstorms can come at any time of year, and animals are understandably unnerved by the lighting and thunder. It’s important to establish a safe place in your house for your furry friend ahead of time. An interior room, where they’re less likely to see signs of the storm, with white noise or soft music playing in the background, can go a long way to soothing your anxious pet. Some animals like to burrow under covers, so if this applies to your dog or cat, have plenty of blankets and sheets available, perhaps even in a cozy nest under a bed. Some pet owners have had success with tight shirts that wrap their pets chest, which are similar to the idea of swaddling for human babies. You’ll need to try them ahead of time, because they may also have an adverse effect on your pet.
It may be hard for you to tell if your animal is reacting poorly to a storm. For some animals, they may become destructive, or attempt to escape while they’re afraid. Hyperactivity, panting and pacing around could also be signs of fear. It’s also possible that their signs are much more subtle, like[…]
###
Continue to read this Progressive Insurance article.