Winter Advisory
It's no secret that the midwest is experiencing some dangerously low temperatures, and they are just getting started. Keeping our pets warm, safe, and healthy is essential!
Here are a few essential safety tips to keep in mind:
1.) If you must walk your dog, bundle up!
Use a non-toxic paw protectant to protect from salt and other chemical agents or winter booties, as well as winter sweaters and coats.
We love Mushers Secret, as it's non-toxic and will not ruin your flooring or furniture. But, keep in mind your pets' paws can still experience frostbite during extreme cold.
Check out IG Winter Tips Highlight for ideas!
2.) Remove common poisons.
Antifreeze and rock salt are extremely toxic to animals. Dogs are more at risk of salt poisoning, so make sure to wipe your pets' paws when coming back inside and clean up any spills. Please do not just let them lick the salt from their paws!
3.) ID'd & Secure!
Make sure that your pets' ID tags are up to date, along with their microchip information. Many pets become lost during this time of year, so triple-checking collars, harnesses, and leashes are a must! You can never be too safe in securing your pets. Also, never leave your pet unattended outside during these conditions!
4.) Mental Stimulation & Enrichment.
Winter is hard on our pets mentally, as well. With limited outdoor time and exercise, your pets are bound to be crazy. Remember to be kind and patient with them. Incorporating enrichment into their daily routine with training, food games, etc., is essential in keeping them healthy during the winter months. Check out our enrichment blog series or our IG Enrichment Highlight for more information and ideas!
5.) Lastly, but definitely least - keep your pet indoors!!!
It's a common belief that our pets can withstand cold temperatures more than people, but this is simply untrue. Just like us, our pets are susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia, and other health risks during these dangerously low temperatures.
"Hypothermia is a condition that develops with an extended exposure to cold weather, though how long that may take depends on the health of the dog, the breed, the temperature, and whether or not it's wet in the environment. It develops when the dog's body temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with 99 to 90 degrees considered mild hypothermia and severe hypothermia defined as anything below 82 degrees. Symptoms range from shivering, muscle stiffness, and shallow, slow breathing to difficulty breathing and coma. If a dog with hypothermia isn't treated at the outset, the dog may die.
Frostbite can occur simultaneously. When the skin gets extremely cold (usually occurs when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but can happen in warmer weather), the body will protect itself, diverting blood from the skin to vital organs. For dogs, paws, ears, and tails are the most vulnerable to frostbite."
Source: This Dog’s Life
Here's what to do if you see a dog left outside (or a lost, abandoned, or stray):
1.) Call the police (if it's dangerous temperatures).
2.) Document what you see.
3.) Talk to the owner.
4.) Leave a note explaining cold weather tips.
5.) Offer to build shelter.
6.) Follow up!
7.) Don't be afraid to call the police again if nothing has been done.
At IAATP, we take the safety and well being of all animals very seriously! No animal deserves to be alone in this cold weather nor freeze to death. If you see something, SAY SOMETHING.
Reminder: please be kind and understanding to wildlife.
Stay safe. Stay warm. Be kind.
In the end, we all want our pets to be the healthiest possible and live the longest life possible, and we want to help everyones pet stay healthy and happy! The more we study and learn of better avenues, the better their diet, their health, and their overall life will become. Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Send an email to info@itsallaboutthepaws.org.
