Even Those With Fur Go Brrrr!
Despite their wearing of a perpetual fur coat, your canines are NOT exempt from the discomfort and yes, hazards, of the extremely frigid temperatures impacting most of the country. These may be reminders for some but new information for others; regardless, they are worth reading and acting on to prevent a frozen Fido!
Did you know that the same salt that we rely on for de-icing roads and sidewalks can wreak havoc on your dog's pads. While specially designed protective booties are available, I've honestly never met a dog who likes or agrees to wear them! To help prevent seasonal soreness and cracking, rub baby oil on and between your dog's pads. Make it a point to remove salt residue from your dog's toes and pads after walks or outdoor play by soaking them in warm water. It's important to keep the hair between your dog's toes and pads clipped so it's even with the bottom of his feet. If left too long, uncomfortable and difficult-to-remove snow sticks and ice balls may form. Long hair between the pads also reduces traction, increasing the possibilities of ice-related slips and injuries.
Good nail care is especially important during cold weather exposure. In addition to reducing traction, long nails force dogs to walk uncharacteristically on the backs of their feet, splaying and allowing snow to pack up between the toes.
Anti-freeze has a sweet, inviting taste to animals however it contains an extremely toxic ingredient: ethylene glycol. If even a small amount of anti-freeze drips when being added to your car radiator, mop it up and thoroughly flush the area with water. Ingesting as little as teaspoon per pound of body weight is enough to cause depression, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and seizures... all clinical signs of poisoning. To minimize the possibility of exposure to dangerous chemicals, keep your pet out of the garage, carefully cap all containers, and keep them out of your pet's reach. It is imperative that you contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has swallowed anti-freeze.
Although dogs maintain a normal body temperature that's a couple of degrees higher than a human's, they may still need some help staying warm in cold weather ... especially when they're not used to it. Keep your eyes open for symptoms of hypothermia --- the lowering of core body temperature well below the normal 101.5-102.5 --- which range from mild shivering to respiratory depression, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse. Treatment involves gradual warming of the body with heating pads, hot water bottles, or a warm water bath; severe cases warrant immediate veterinary treatment.
Prolonged exposure to the cold can also cause frostbite, most often in the toes, tails, and ear tips. Frostbitten tissue appears pale and is cold to the touch; it should be re-warmed slowly and given time to heal before repeat exposure to the cold.
To help avoid climate related discomforts, give your frigid fur friend ample time to recharge in the comfort of a heated indoor environment. Consider outfitting him with a jaunty doggy jacket during outdoor activities.