These Tips Could Save Your Pets Life During The Polar Vortex

Written and submitted by Dr. Julie Berman and Dr. Michelle West, of the Shoreline Animal Hospital

We are experiencing some very chilly weather this week; here are some reminders from the veterinarians at Shoreline Animal Hospital for keeping your pets safe and warm during the cold snap.

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. If left outdoors or in an unheated garage or kennel, pets can easily become hypothermic, causing lethargy, disorientation, and possibly death. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause hypothermia.

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes. Paw booties provide coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes where ice balls are most likely to form. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse. Leaving a damp pet outdoors or in a chilly garage or kennel can result in hypothermia.

Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.