In the News - October 2008
Prepare your pet for winter
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The weather may be warm now, but it's never too early to
start thinking about winterizing your pet. Our four-legged furry friends may
have thick coats, but the change of season affects them just as much as it does
us.
Dr. Jeremy Powell, associate professor and veterinarian with the University
of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, advises pet owners to prepared their pets
for coming cold weather.
"Although some dog breeds, don't mind cold weather conditions, most pets
don't have adequate tolerance for extreme cold temperatures. Once temperatures
get below freezing, outside pets need shelter."
"Allowing outdoor pets to seek shelter in the garage or basement, or
providing them with a dog house, will protect them from sub-freezing
temperatures, snow and ice, and cold winds. Provide them with warm, dry bedding
such as blankets, shavings or straw. This will make them more comfortable during
those cold winter months."
If you're sheltering your pets in a garage, there are additional factors to
consider.
"When housing a pet in a mixed-use area, don't let it become exposed to
dangerous items," says Powell. "During winter months, anti-freeze is one common
item that may be present in your garage. Anti-freeze made from ethylene glycol
has an attractive taste to pets, but it's very deadly.
"Sometimes, owners provide pets with portable heaters in a garage or
basement. Remember that portable heaters can be a fire hazard; so keep portable
heaters out of the pet's reach."
A change in the season could mean a need to change in how much you feed your
pet, especially if it gets colder.
"Outdoor pets may need an increase in their daily food to account for the
increased calories they may burn to keep warm," says Powell. "Indoor pets tend
to be less active during winter, so they'll need less food.
"Another important consideration for winter months is to remember to give
pets adequate water. During cold weather, an outdoor pet's water supply may
freeze solid preventing them from getting an adequate amount of water."
If your pet stays outdoors this winter, be sure to check on them and make
sure they're handling weather changes well. Always check for:
- Frozen food or water. If the temperature is below freezing, your pet's
consumption of nourishment could be greatly reduced by its access to food.
- Dry bedding. Dry straw and bedding raised above the ground should keep
your pet warm and comfortable.
- Frostbite. "Pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like
people," says Powell. "Extremities such as ear tips or paws can be most
susceptible to frostbite."
- Salt on footpads. The same salt that's used to treat roadbeds can
irritate your pet's skin and mouth. Wipe down feet after a walk.
- Check your car engine before you start your car in the morning to make
sure small pets like cats haven't sheltered inside during the night.
For indoor pets, protect them when they go outside.
"Some breeds may need clothing when they are outdoors in extremely cold
weather. Dogs that have thin coats may need a sweater or a coat if they're going
to spend a long time outside in extreme cold conditions."
Indoor dogs may have one more consideration -- dry air.
"During winter months, indoor humidity is relatively low. This dry
environment may lead to issues with dry coats, dandruff, itchy skin or hair
texture changes. Therefore, indoor pets may benefit from increased brushing
which helps stimulate circulation and improves the dog's skin and coat.
"Dogs may also benefit from fatty acid supplementation during the winter.
Fatty acids in the diet help decrease problem with dandruff and itchy skin."
If you'd like to learn more about preparing your pet for colder weather,
contact your local extension agent. The Cooperative Extension Service is a part
of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
October 10, 2008
By Kat Robinson
For the U of A Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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