Top 10 tips for helping pets adjust to cold weather and snow

Animal Welfare Society of Allegany County

Now that cooler temperatures are upon us, it’s time to think about taking care of our pets who are kept outside. Here are some of our favorite cold weather tips to help keep your pet happy, warm and safe.

1. If your pet is left outside all year, make sure he has proper shelter from the weather. This first tip might seem like common sense, but we’ve heard horror stories of dogs outside without any shelter at all! A good rule of thumb is to have a dog house that is big enough for your dog to stand up and stretch out, but not too big, so he will be able to retain his own body heat in the box to keep warm.

2. Make sure his shelter is clean, dry and well insulated with straw, wood shavings or a blanket. Animals drag a lot of moisture into their bedding from every trip outside in the snow. Plan on changing the bedding as necessary or simply place the blanket in the dryer for a warm up. A wind flap to cover the opening is nice to keep the cold air out.

3. Keep an eye on your pet’s outside water. If it is not heated, it will need to be changed several times daily when temperatures dip below freezing. The water will freeze solid, making it impossible for him to get a drink. Pet stores sell heated bowls for about $20.

4. Nutrition is particularly important. Outdoor pets require more calories in the winter to generate energy to ward off the cold. As a result, add 10 to 15 percent more food to its daily diet to allow it to meet those needs. Another way to meet cold-weather calorie requirements is by adding some fats to their regular ration. (Be careful though, fats can lead to diarrhea and dehydration if too much is added too fast.)

5. For short-coated breeds like greyhounds, Boston terriers, and Chihuahuas, you might want to put them in a sweater before taking them outside. They will become chilled quickly after leaving a 72-degree house and walking onto single-digit-temperature turf. Also realize, sweaters are not a substitute for shelter. They can get wet and then actually remove more heat from an animal than they conserve.

6. During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog.

7. Pets that walk on sidewalks, driveways or streets run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and other chemicals in their foot pads. Each time they are brought in, make certain to wipe all four feet thoroughly.

8. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if he appears to be too sensitive to the weather.

9. Outdoor cats will seek warmth, and sometimes this includes near or on a car engine. This means that if they don’t move when you go out to start the engine the next time, they can be seriously injured or killed. Before starting the engine, beep your horn, or rap on the hood a couple of times to chase them off from beneath the hood.

10. Be particularly careful when taking elderly, arthritic pets outside. They will become stiff and tender quickly, and may find it difficult to move about in the snow or ice. Don’t leave them unattended. You might have to go out and carry them inside if they can’t move.

If you see a dog in need of care, become that dog’s advocate. Our pets can’t ask for help when they are being neglected or suffering, we must speak for them. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local animal control office.

We are the Animal Welfare Society of Allegany County, P.O. Box 123, Cumberland, MD 21501. Visit us online at http://www.awsac.com.