Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

[Ghilly]

This is an exciting time of year.  The winter holidays are fast approaching and everyone is shopping for gifts and making plans to celebrate with family and friends.   Holiday fun isn't the only thing that winter brings, though.  The cold weather ushers in a whole new set of dangers to our pets.  There is enough stress at the holidays without the added chaos of a pet who has accidentally gotten themselves hurt or into a health crisis.   Here is a link to an article written by Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM on how to keep your pets safe in the cold weather.
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/249918/Pet-Cold-Winter-Safety-Tips-for-Dogs--Cats

Ghilly

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi Ginger...
Dewey already has a coat that I put on him..he runs outside quickly, but his feet start to freeze within a minute...Heck, I even bought a small greenhouse last fall..I bring him in there...because there is no snow that he would have to stand in, ...but he doesn't want to do his business in there either.
I am out of ideas...and open for suggestions.
Connie

[ginger899]

We had a winter like that last year and I preferred it to what we've got now...both Misty and myself found it easier in the dry cold than the wet cold. I think the rain and sleet can be worse for dogs than snow. Snow can be easily shaken off, and if the dog has "guard hairs" (a double coat) then they are indeed built for that weather.
It's the tiny breeds and the very short-coated ones that have a harder time. Good thermal lined dog coats are a bit expensive but a good idea for them.
If your little Chihuahua wants to go out, I'd say let him, just to potty. Put a good coat on him with a bit that goes up the back of the neck. I think there are dog coats that cover the belly area too.(or at least part-way for a male dog) If he's not out for too long his feet might be ok

[TwoBitsMom]

Yes... the cold stinks...and I have 3 dogs who are not built for cold weather.
TwoBits was the only dog who loved the snow...she would roll in it, and push a path with her face...oh how she loved it.
Winter won't be quite the same without her.
Not only do we have the below zero temps to deal with, we also have to figure in the windchill factors.
Tonight we are expecting 10 below...and tomorrow with the windchill, we will have a balmy 25 below zero wind slapping us in the face.
I have tried pad training my Chihuahua, but he refuses. He thinks that he should go outside with the big dogs. I have also tried making boots for him, but nothing will stay on his feet.
I have to say,This weather can really be a challenge to deal with...I don't recommend it for anyone...! On the upside though...the snow we get sure makes the trees pretty and the Christmas lights twinkle...!

[marksme]

Yes, dogs need good shelter in the cold and freezing snows of winter. Hopefully the big dogs can get warm shelter and some just live in the kitchen or other places. I know my boss had a great Dane that slept in his bed of all places! Anyway, dogs are people too. I never let any of my dogs outside in the dead of winter..when it just so cold you freeze in seconds. Dogs need us to watch over them and they watch over us too.

[ginger899]

I honestly think our dogs were sent to us from Heaven to teach us how to be better humans.
All dogs are vulnerable in snow and ice.It might be fine for a while to play and run through snow, but in below freezing conditions, the snow gets packed between the pads of their feet between the toes, then it stays frozen, and ice crystals can cut their feet badly. Following the sled dog idea...get some winter booties on those dogs. Even if they are tough outdoor dogs. No it's not a wuss-thing, it's a good idea.

[marksme]

We are always on the lookout for dogs this time of year outside, especially the small terrier dogs, like Yorkies, Rat Terriers, those who do not have a
thick undercoat to protect them from the cold winter. One family finally put
their yorkie inside after several complaints. I think people get so wrapped up, especially in the busy Christmas season, if they are not really an animal person, they forget the little furry people. Some people make the
mistake of giving puppies this time of year too, Why I say mistake, because not everybody is an animal person. Once the cute puppy turns
into a dog, they send them away. I know our shelter gets full, because
of people who care less about pets. Animals love us, regardless what
we look like, sound like, old or young, grumpy or bold. They love us
unconditional. Wouldn't it be nice if we followed the same ways as our
little furry friends and loved people for just who they are? Then maybe
there would be Peace on Earth and good will to All!

Mark

[Ghilly]

Good addition to the topic, Ginger!   It's much safer for them to be home even though they might be bored.  When you get home from shopping you can take them for a ride to the local pet department store for a treat to make up for it if you feel that guilty about leaving them home.

TwoBitsMom, I honestly do not know HOW you can live in a climate like that!  Our temperatures went down to 33 here last night and it felt like the end of the world!  I made Brian use a peepee pad in the kitchen because I couldn't go outside it was so cold!  LOL!  Today it was back up into the high 50s and I was still cold from last night!  Sixteen degrees below zero - well, I just don't think so!  :D

Ghilly

[ginger899]

Oh squish! blah! It's just muddy here! But I'm talking serious mud -the sort that can swallow you up so you're never seen again!

Thanks Ghilly, for the reminder about our pets and holiday season....when there are many distractions, pitfalls, and unsuitable treats, as well as frozen feet!

Anoter thing I'd like to mention is the increase in dog theft (well that's happening in the UK, I don't know about elsewhere)
Thieves are cashing in on the fact that if they steal a dog, they can claim the reward money. There have even been cases of negotiation of reward money to up the price. Anyway it must be one of the most worrying things to have to go through.
So be careful where you leave your dog when Christmas shopping. Locked in a car might seem a good idea, especially when caged at the back....but some thieves smash wndows and force the locks of the cage to get the dog!
Tied up outside a store....not a good idea.

The safest place to be while you go shopping is secure at home. The dog might be bored, but it will be more safe.

[TwoBitsMom]

Thanks for the reminder and the link...I will be sure to read it.
Winter is here in Minnesota...!
I had 16 degrees below zero on Monday night....!  
Brrrrrrr.............