Arctic air is settling southward from Canada into the central and eastern U.S. this week. Bitter cold will be felt by a large portion of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains for the next few days. Wind Chill Advisories and Warnings are in effect for most the Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Widespread subzero overnight lows are forecast in a number of northern states.
The American Veterinary Medical Association offers Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips.
Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her
preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some
medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a
veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get
him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as
possible for cold weather.
Know the limits: Just like people, pets’ cold
tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores,
activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold
weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your
dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from
weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have
more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to
slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more
cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets
feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged
pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more
likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with
diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as
Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body
temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature
extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need
help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your
veterinarian.
Provide choices: Just like
you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their
location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some
safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to
their needs.
Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside
during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are
resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s
untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and
hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated
dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are
more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for
long periods of time in below-freezing weather.
More tips will be added often. Please check back.
Sources: www.weather.gov
www.avma.org
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