Let It Snow!
“The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful!” Snow, cold, and sometimes frightful weather are inescapable aspects of life in Minnesota. Some of us love it while others accept its inevitability. We prepare for it with coats, hats, and boots for our bodies, antifreeze and windshield scrapers for our cars, and an arsenal of comforting casserole recipes. We’re as prepared as possible for the wintry weather, whatever comes our way. While preparing for the cold weather, it’s important to remember preparations for our furry family members, too.
If You’re Cold
Dogs are susceptible to frostbite, especially in delicate areas like the ears, paw pads, and the tip of the tail. It’s important to make sure they’re not exposed to too much inclement weather, so it’s best to keep them indoors. If you’re cold, they’re cold is a very simple but clear rule of thumb. There are specific breeds of dogs that are happy in colder weather – Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and Bernese Mountain Dogs, for example – but many other breeds can’t tolerate cold weather. If your dog:
- Is a senior dog
- Has a medical condition
- Is small with short hair (Chihuahuas, French Bulldog)
- Has short legs (Basset Hound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
- Has a lean body and short hair (Whippet, Greyhound)
- Has a closely shorn or groomed coat
they are likely to get cold quickly.
Cold Weather Preparedness for Pets
There are many ways to provide care for your pet during the cold weather months. The best way, of course, is to bring them in the house. If you can’t bring them inside, there are still ways to make sure they’re as safe as possible when temperatures become frigid. For outdoor pets, it’s important to make sure their food and water are accessible and not blocked by snow drifts or ice accumulation. If at all possible, you should provide some kind of shelter for your outdoor pet. Ideally, the shelter should:
- Be raised slightly off the ground
- Have three sides enclosed
- Have a base covered with straw, wood shaving, or other bedding
- Have an entrance covered with heavy plastic or another waterproof material
If your pet is lucky enough to be an indoor pet, there are other tips to ensure that they remain safe and healthy during the frosty winter months. You should:
- Coat their paws with petroleum jelly before taking them outside for a walk
- Wash and dry their paws thoroughly after they’ve been outdoors
- Avoid areas covered with ice melt or other chemical non-slip agents
- Towel dry them when they come in from a romp in the snow
- Avoid bathing your pet during really cold weather
- Provide a little extra food and water because they burn extra calories trying to stay warm
- Make sure antifreeze drips or spills are completely cleaned up
An added bonus of keeping your pet indoors is that you can nap with them on chilly afternoons.
South Hyland Pet Hospital
South Hyland Pet Hospital in Minneapolis, MN is available to help if your pet is exposed to too much winter weather or for any other veterinary care they need. Call or text us at (952) 884-1868 if we can help your pet stay healthy and well.
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