Winter Weather Tips for Pets
Last fall, The Hundred Cat Foundation (hundredcats.org) of Centre Hall provided shelters for outdoor cats made from Styrofoam coolers to 76 people. If you would like info on how to make one yourself, email them at cats@hundredcats.org. (Photo from The Hundred Cat Foundation Facebook page)
By Julie Rae Rickard
Winter can be difficult for humans, but the cold temperatures, ice and snow also impact our pets.
As temperatures drop and winds blow, it becomes more and more important to make sure your dog is protected when he goes outside.
“Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly,” says the American Veterinary Association.
Pay attention to your dog’s breath as he walks and his stride. If he is panting heavily, cut the walk short and get him some place warm. Older dogs with arthritis can be more prone to slipping, so choose a safe place to walk. Some owners buy booties for their dog’s feet.
If your dog seems to be shivering when the temperature drops, you should dress them in a coat or sweater to help them cope with extreme temperatures.
After a walk, you should check your dog’s paws for salt and clean them if necessary. Also, check for any cold weather damage.
“Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia,” it says on the AVA website. “No pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.”
It is illegal in Pennsylvania for a dog to be tethered outside longer than 30 minutes if the temperature is below freezing, or 32 degrees.
If you have an outdoor dog, you must provide an appropriate shelter.
We have come a long way from the classic Snoopy dog house. Today you can buy a variety of styles of dog houses, some which include insulation and heat.
A dog house must be big enough for them to move around, yet small enough to contain their body heat. The doorway must have a covering of some flexible material such as heavy plastic or waterproof burlap, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
Adding straw to the house will help keep Fido warm. But, if we have extremely cold temperatures, it is always recommended that your pet be taken inside, if not to the main living area, possibly to a heated basement or garage.
If you are feeding the neighborhood stray cat or a feral colony, the Hundred Cat Foundation in Centre Hall has instructions on their website, hundredcats.org on how to make a simple outdoor cat shelter out of a Styrofoam cooler or an 18 gallon plastic tote.
They recommend the cooler be large enough for a cat to be able to stand up and turn around. Adding straw will help keep the animals warm on the coldest nights.
There are tips on their website on where to place them to get the best results. Positioning the shelter in the opposite direction of the wind can make a big difference to a cold kitty.
Here are a few other tips from the website:
• Raise the shelter from the ground to prevent rain and snow from entering.
• Place a weight on top of the shelter to help hold the lightweight lid in place.
• Remove old, matted down straw in late spring and rinse or clean inside the shelter.
• Refill with fresh straw in the fall.
• If cats aren’t using the outdoor shelters, try to find where they are sleeping and then do what you can there to “upgrade” the spot, such as adding straw.
The group receives donations of coolers to replenish their supply but is always looking for more, if you would like to contribute.
They also have an Amazon Wish List if you are looking to help their efforts in feeding feral cats.
In the winter pets should be given more food to help them stay warm. During cold weather, forget the wet food and supply dry food that will not freeze unless they tend to eat it immediately.
If they are eating only dry food, it is important to maintain a fresh, unfrozen supply of water.
Although keeping water from freezing can be challenging, the HCF has a tip sheet that includes information on special items that can help including a solar slipper that uses the sun, microwave heat pads, and small Styrofoam shipping containers that can be turned into a water bowl.
Do not use metal bowls to hold water or the pet’s tongue could freeze to the bowl. Using a narrow container and adding a pinch of sugar in the water can also keep it from freezing.
One last winter tip: If you have stray cats around your home, it is a good idea to tap the hood of your car before you get in and start the engine. Cats like to curl up near the engine or hide under your car for warmth.