Frigid temperatures, snow, wind and ice prompt pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety and optimum health of their best friends. Protecting pets from the elements and giving adequate exercise are both challenges during the winter months.
If your dog likes to romp in the cold weather, have her wear a lined, water-repellent coat to help retain body heat and stay dry during walks. Short-coated dogs, toy breeds, puppies and seniors are at greater risk of becoming chilled faster. Shaving your dog is not advisable, as fur is a dog’s natural insulation from extreme temperatures. If your dog is sensitive to the cold, take her outdoors only long enough to relieve herself and keep all outside visits short during very cold temperatures. If you have cats that spend time outdoors, keep them safe inside.
Protecting your dog’s paws for outdoor adventures is equally important. Have your groomer trim the hair between the paw pads to prevent salt and snow from collecting. These are very painful for a dog to walk on. Some dog owners use dog boots to keep the paws warm and protected. If you do this, be sure to purchase the correct size for your dog to avoid discomfort and slipping. Training your dog to wear booties will take some time and patience because it’s a very strange feeling. Don’t assume she will accept it immediately.
When returning from a mucky, winter walk, it’s good to have a towel ready by the door to dry your dog. Wipe off her paws, legs and stomach. You can wash her feet with lukewarm water to remove unwanted snow, debris and chemicals. Keep in mind: any salt or other de-icing agents that are swallowed by licking can make a dog sick. If the paws become dry and cracked, you can soothe them by massaging a light coat of Vitamin E oil or pure aloe gel into the paw pads.
Inside the house, give dogs and cats a warm place to sleep, away from cold drafts. If you keep your thermostat down while you are at work, consider a heated pet bed or heating pad. You can also put a hot water bottle under a towel on the pet’s bed. For extra warmth, put a pet bed in a place that gets sunlight. Toss in a cozy, fleece blanket, fresh out of the dryer, and your cat or dog will be thrilled to burrow.
When you and your critters are stuck indoors, exercise is harder to get, but still very important. There is nothing like being cooped up with a dog or cat that has lots of energy to spare! Bored pets often find things to do, of which you may not approve.
Keep them occupied by playing indoor games, such as fetch, chase and tug. Mental stimulation gives pets a great workout, too. Puzzle toys and toys stuffed with treats or catnip can entertain them for hours.
For dogs, you can fill a hollow bone or rubber toy with a mixture of sugar-free peanut butter, yogurt, oatmeal and honey or your dog’s favorite treats. Freezing the concoction makes it even more of a challenge. Treat-dispensing balls and toys are great for cats to bat around, too. It gives them the feeling that they are “hunting” and tires them out, as well.
Just remember to reduce the amount you’re feeding at meal times to account for the additional caloric intake. You don’t want to pack more pounds on your pets during the winter months. It is just as unhealthy for them as it is for humans.
Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley, a general store for animals, 3963 N. 6th St. (rear), Harrisburg, www.abramsandweakley.com.
