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Cold Weather Caution
 Winter
is here and with it comes the cold
weather. While dogs and cats have
fur coats that help provide
protection from the elements, they
are not immune to cold weather. The
ability to tolerate cold weather
depends on a number of factors
including size, thickness of coat,
age, general health, cold weather
acclimation, and access to shelter.
In general it is easier for large
dogs to stay warm than small dogs
and cats. Small animals loose heat
rapidly and can suffer from
exposure, hypothermia, or frost bite
in what might seem like mild to
moderate conditions to us. Animals
with short or thin fur coats have
trouble staying warm as well.
Jackets and sweaters can be helpful
(and for some animals may be
essential) in cold weather. Most pet
stores carry a variety of styles and
sizes. Booties to protect dog’s feet
are available as well.
Be careful with older pets or
animals with health problems. These
pets will have a harder time staying
warm and are much more likely to
develop hypothermia. Older animals
with arthritis tend to be stiff and
have more trouble in cold weather as
well.
Two important factors that are often
overlooked are access to shelter and
cold weather acclimation. If your
pet is going to spend anytime
outside, they should always have
access to some type of shelter. A
dog house, shed, or garage with
clean bedding such as straw or
blankets can mean the difference
between life and death if for some
reason they are left outside for an
extended period during cold weather.
Animals that spend the majority of
their time outside will develop cold
weather acclimation. In fact, the
physiology of the body changes to
adapt to cold conditions. Animals
that have adapted can tolerate cold
weather much better than animals
that have not adapted. Cold weather
acclimation takes several weeks.
Remember, just because your
neighbor’s dog spends all day
outside doesn’t mean that your dog
won’t have problems with the weather
if they spend most of their time
inside.
Remember, be careful in cold
weather. Make sure your pet is not
outside for extended periods of time
unless they are acclimated, have
access to shelter, are healthy, and
have a good fur coat or a
jacket/sweater. If you notice that
your pet is shivering it is time to
bring them inside and warm up. If
your pet has been outside for an
extended period of time and you find
that they are lethargic, sluggish,
or confused they may be suffering
from hypothermia. Wrap them up in a
blanket and get them to the vet
immediately. If you notice that they
have developed reddened or white
areas of skin they may have
developed frost bite (ears are a
common site), again get them
somewhere warm and bring them in to
the vet immediately for treatment.
Fortunately, most weather related
problems can be avoided with good
judgment and some basic preparation.
If you need any advice or have
questions please feel free to call
Anchor Animal Hospital at
508-996-3731. If you are ever
concerned that your pet is suffering
from hypothermia or frostbite please
bring them to Anchor Animal Hospital
or the nearest veterinarian
immediately.
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